Getting Married at Victory
It is the desire of the pastoral staff at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church…
How do I reserve a date on the calendar?
Contact Victory’s Scheduling Coordinator, Natalie Mattison (607-962-7000), and a tentative date will be reserved for 30 days. For the date to be finalized on the calendar and with Church you must…
Are there any requirements?
A pastor reserves the right to postpone or cancel a wedding at Victory if he feels there are unresolved issues in a relationship that he considers to be a significant barrier to a lasting marriage. Issues may include emotional instability, substance abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse, financial mismanagement, immaturity, spiritual incompatibility or any other issue that he feels may be unhealthy or detrimental to the couple. In that event, the originally scheduled wedding can no longer take place at Victory and reserved date will be opened to others. Monies paid to church will be refunded. Also, no other minister on staff will marry a couple if another minister of the church has refused to perform the ceremony.
How does Victory handle those who have been divorced and are seeking remarriage?
We realize the issue of divorce and remarriage is highly complex. The spiritual condition of those involved, the time of the divorce, the circumstances and other considerations all affect a final decision about whether or not to proceed with a new marriage. Therefore, situations involving divorce will be dealt with on an individual basis by the pastor.
Those seeking remarriage after a divorce should be prepared
to answer questions such as:
What happens if changes need to be made to the wedding plans?
Any changes made in your wedding plans, including change of address and/or phone number, should be brought to the attention of the Scheduling Coordinator (Natalie Mattison: 607-962-7000).Is there a cost to the pre-marriage classes?
Fees for books and other resources as teacher deems necessary.
What if one or both individuals wanting to get married live out of town but want to get married at Victory?
Special circumstances will be taken into consideration and discussed with the pastor performing the ceremony.
Which pastor is available to perform the ceremony?
There are several pastors who are able to officiate at weddings. You may request which pastor you prefer and we will honor as many of those requests as possible.
What about decorations for the wedding?
Decorating the facility is solely the responsibility of the bride and groom. All decorations should be attached in a way that facilitates easy removal and leaves no permanent marks. The Wedding Coordinator has final approval of decorations.
What about platform set-up?
Victory will endeavor to present an atmosphere that is conducive to having a wedding but in many cases the platform set-up may not be able to be altered, i.e. special events, productions, worship staging. All changes to platform must be approved and done through the Worship Arts department and done by staff or church wedding coordinator. We would advise you to get in touch with us 3 weeks before wedding to check on the platform appearance.
What about weddings at Victory that are officiated by another pastor not on staff?
It is the general policy of Victory that one of our pastors shall officiate at ceremonies conducted in our building. However, exceptions to this policy can be made with the approval of the lead pastor.
Marriage License
Q: How can a marriage license be obtained?
A: Both the prospective bride and groom must appear together in the County Clerk’s Office. They should have with them proper identification (driver’s license and birth certificate – if any visible question of age). If either the prospective bride or groom has been married before, but are now widowed or divorced, they must bring with them divorce papers or death certificates for proper verification.
Q: How long is the marriage license valid?
A: A marriage license shall be valid for sixty (60) days.
Q: Is there a waiting period after the license is obtained?
A: There is a 24 hour waiting period in the State of New York.
Q: What is the fee for a marriage license?
A: The fee is $40.00
Q: What if the license is not used within sixty (60) days?
A: The marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days. After that time it is invalid and you must reapply for another license at the cost of $40.00.
Q: Do the parties need to obtain a blood test and/or have a physical examination?
A: This is no longer required in New York.
See http://marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelicenses/p/newyork.htm for more information.
Wedding Fees
$400 – Members and Regular Attendees. Includes the following…*In the rare case that an outside wedding of non-members or non-regular attendees is performed, the cost will be $900.00. This includes: Sanctuary, Pastoral Services, Wedding Coordinator (on-site), Custodian (rehearsal and wedding), Pianist (rehearsal & wedding) and Sound Engineer (up to 3 hours). Receptions not available.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must be received in writing. 100% of all paid fees will be refunded up to 3 months before agreed wedding date. After such time, all fees are nonrefundable. Victory Highway Wesleyan Church reserves the right to cancel this agreement at any time for any reason its governing body deems necessary. Should the church initiate cancellation, all paid fees shall be refunded.
What the Bible Says About Marriage
A wedding is a joyous celebration of love. It is the holy mystery of two becoming one, of beginning life together, and of commitment. Marriage is ordained by God between a man and a woman and illustrates His relationship with His people. Thus, there is perhaps no greater tragedy than the violation of those sacred vows. A marriage is not just a legal contract. It is a covenant that has been made with God. The following passages are just some of the principles taught about marriage in Scripture. Please take some time to read and study the following passages…