.jpg)
In recent years, a number of couples have decided to have "destination weddings," as they and their families and friends travel to distant spots to solemnize their unions. As might be expected, Hilton Head Island and surrounding communities in the Carolina Low Country and Coastal Georgia are high on the list of those venues which attract traveling wedding parties. Many of those folks come to the area having no idea who should officiate at their nuptials, request assistance from their wedding planner, and are directed to local individuals who are qualified to handle the task. That sometimes includes the occasional retired pastor who is happy to oblige. That being the case, we offer the following to assist those happy couples in making their arrangements.
You have come to a momentous time in your life and we are most pleased for you. Despite occasional ups and downs, our society has always held marriage in high regard. From a theological perspective, marriage is instituted of God, regulated by God's commands, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and is to be held in honor among all people (Hebrews 13:14).
Weddings need not be elaborate affairs to be beautiful. The important things are the sincere commitment you bring to it, the affection which makes it rich, and the wealth of meaning which lies in the vows you will take.
In order to make the service both happy and reverent, this
website has been prepared to answer some of your questions
and to provide guidance for your planning. Careful attention to
the recommendations contained here will eliminate potential
misunderstandings and sources of conflict. Please remember
that photographers, florists, caterers, etc. do not necessarily
know everyone's expectations. We ask your cooperation in
passing the word to them.
We trust that the experience we will share together as you unite in marriage will be most meaningful and one upon which you can look back with great satisfaction as the years go by.
.jpg)
For those who are planning a beach wedding on Hilton Head Island, please note that a permit is required from the town prior to the ceremony. Click here to get the proper form for submission.
THE WEDDING SERVICE
Although it has its social and legal aspects, the marriage ceremony
is primarily a service of worship, a fact
which should be kept in mind as plans
are made for your special day.
Therefore, we expect that wedding
services will provide a sense of
decorum, order and tradition. The
minister can answer any questions you
may have concerning the
appropriateness of elements to be
included within the service.
Dr. Leininger will consult with you concerning elements of the service (music, prayers, vows, etc.). Since none of these elements are required either by law or custom, you have a great deal of freedom in determining how your service will look and sound.
The Order of Service will normally be something like the following:
- Words of Welcome - "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of God and these witnesses..." are one traditional way of beginning the wedding service. You may choose the words you would like to set the tone of the event.
- Invocation - People of faith want God's involvement in every area of their lives. Certainly, we ask God's blessing at such a momentous time as this.
- Readings from secular literature and Scripture - There may be particularly meaningful passages that you wish to have read to indicate the type of foundation you wish to establish for your new life together.
- Brief Homily - Generally, Dr. Leininger will share some brief remarks concerning our common understanding of the momentous event taking place.
- Declarations of Intent - "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward..." are another set of familiar words to indicate a seriousness of purpose. Those ancient phrases are appropriate as are other more contemporary expressions.
- Exchange of Vows - "For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health..." are equally familiar and are the choice of many couples in solemnizing the marriage. More contemporary expressions of fidelity are equally appropriate and may provide a more personal choice.
- Presentation of Rings - "With this ring I thee wed..." is another phrase that has become meaningful through repetition. Again, there are choices available to you as to how you will offer a visible symbol of the new life that is being begun here.
- Prayer of Blessing - Once more, we humble ourselves before God and ask divine blessing on the new life journey that is about to begin.
- Announcement of Marriage - Suddenly, it's OFFICIAL!! "By the authority vested in me..." (At least, it sounds official - actually, it only truly becomes official when the Marriage License is submitted to the state.)
- Charge and Benediction - Last words to remember concerning the love and care a husband and wife are to show for one another along with the assurance that God is with you through all the joys and sorrows of life.
- The Kiss - This never changes. No explanation necessary.
In addition, there may be other elements included (Unity Candle, etc.) as you desire. If special music is to be included, it can be placed in the Order as appropriate.
You may well decide that these choices are more than you care to deal with and you are most content with letting the officiating minister use the traditional forms with which we have grown up. That is perfectly fine. The point is that this is YOUR DAY. These decisions are yours. If you so choose, click here to begin making your choices. We are here to help and we join you in wanting this magnificent occasion to be as memorable and beautiful as it can be.
MUSIC
As soon as the date has been set and the first conference with the pastor has been held, the bride and groom should arrange an appointment with the musician(s) to choose selections for the service prelude, the processional, the recessional, and any music which might be used if a soloist is to participate. (The soloist, if any, should be instructed to contact the accompanist.) If desired, the musical selections may be left to the discretion of the musician(s).
It is the responsibility of the soloist to have the music well prepared and ready for rehearsal with the accompanist. The rehearsal shall be by appointment with the musician made at least one month before the wedding date.
Secular songs are often not appropriate to the wedding service, so exercise discretion. The wedding reception is the ideal time for secular songs, songs from Broadway shows, contemporary songs and personal favorite songs to be presented - it is the time when all members of the wedding party can enjoy this part of the musical offering.
THE REHEARSAL
In order to preserve the orderliness of the wedding service, a rehearsal should be held prior to the ceremony. Rehearsals are usually held on the evening prior to the wedding. Reservations should also be made for this date with the facility where the wedding will be taking place. Prior arrangements should be made if the services of a soloist are required.
It is the responsibility of the bridal couple to insure that all wedding party members are present for rehearsal 15 minutes before the time stated. The parents of the bride and groom are encouraged to be present as well. The members of the wedding party should be present one hour before the appointed time for the wedding service. No member of the wedding party under the influence of alcohol or narcotics shall be permitted to participate in any rehearsal or the service itself.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOTAPING
The Wedding Worship Service begins when the bride has taken her place in the front of the assembled guests, and ends when the bridal party begins its exit. Photographers and videographers are asked to be as unobtrusive as possible so as not to disrupt the ceremony. Since the service is conducted with dignity and reverence, whether in a church sanctuary or on a beach under the blue canopy of sky, any photographs taken during the ceremony should be taken from the rear of the gathering and with available light. Videotaping of the ceremony is permitted provided that the camera(s) remain in a stationary position throughout the service. Please inform attendees of these rules. The bridal party may have as many pictures as desired outside the ceremony.
In recent years it has become customary for photographs to be taken prior to the ceremony out of courtesy to your guests. This is a perfectly acceptable practice.
SERVICES AND FEES
- Initial personal consultation for planning purposes;
- Telephone and/or e-mail consultations, as needed, to arrange and clarify details of the service;
- Wedding Rehearsal prior to the ceremony;
- The Wedding Ceremony itself;
- Filing of legal documents following the service.
Print out the Wedding Information Form, fill it out as appropriate, and mail it to the address provided or send it to us as an e-mail attachment. We will respond as soon as possible and begin finalizing arrangements for you.
If you need some direction toward folks who can provide specific services for your big event, below are some suggestions:
e-mail: david@leiningers.com
