Photography and Videotaping
Decorations
Bulletins

Photography and Videotaping

We recognize that pictures and recordings of the wedding are extremely important to you. We endeavor to create maximum opportunity for pictures and recordings while maintaining the sanctity of this Christian service. Therefore, we have established the following parameters.

Wedding photographs may be taken in the Garth (courtyard), Loggia hallway, or in the place of worship before or after the wedding service. Once the wedding date and time is set, the Wedding Coordinator will provide a timeline for the period of time you will be at the church on your wedding day. This timeline will include opportunities and locations for photography before or after the ceremony.

In keeping with the atmosphere of worship, only the professional photographer hired for the wedding may take photographs during the service. During the service, the professional photographer may only photograph with existing light.

No photographs can be taken during the prayers. Only the professional photographer may take flash photographs, and these are limited to the procession of the honored guests, the wedding party procession, and the time after the benediction at the end of the service. The photographer must remain behind the body of the congregation at all times.

The service may be videotaped; the videographer must follow the same rules the photographer, and the equipment may not be moved during the service.

Setups for formal photographs with screens, umbrellas, and lights can be put up after the guests have left the church.

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Decorations

The worship spaces at Fourth Presbyterian Church are places of inherent beauty and do not require extensive decoration for wedding ceremonies. At certain times of the year, the Sanctuary features temporary art installations — typically banners or hangings — that complement the architecture. These installations remain in place during weddings.

Permitted floral décor includes:

• Two floral arrangements in the upper chancel
• Pew decorations
• Floral or greenery accents on the candelabras

Please note:

• Pedestals are not allowed.
• No floral or decorative items may be placed in the center aisle.

The church can provide a kneeler and two candelabra with candles upon request. Due to fire safety regulations, hurricane lamps, aisle candles, or any other candle decorations along the aisle are not permitted.

Florists delivering flowers to the church must check in at the 126 East Chestnut entrance with the church receptionist. The Wedding Coordinator must be involved in the planning of all decorations.

Florists will be granted access to the worship space no earlier than 60 minutes before the wedding and must complete their setup at least 40 minutes prior to the start of the service. Please ensure the florist provides all personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc.) in time for pre-service photographs.

If the floral arrangements from the ceremony are to be used at the reception, they may not be removed until all guests have departed and photography in the worship space is complete.

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Bulletins

It is not necessary to have a bulletin (wedding program) for your wedding. If you wish to have a bulletin, you may arrange to have one designed in accordance with the church’s guidelines and printed by an outside firm. The Wedding Coordinator will provide you with the church’s guidelines for printed wedding bulletins. To assure accuracy and conformity with these guidelines, all bulletins must be reviewed and approved by the Wedding Coordinator. If the program has not been approved, you risk the possibility that it won’t be used if it doesn’t follow the Wedding Bulletin Guidelines.

Please plan to bring the printed bulletins to the church at the time of your rehearsal. The church is unable to accept early delivery of printed wedding bulletins.

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If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Wedding Coordinator Kathy Kidder (312.981.4026) or the Presiding Minister.

And remember that Fourth Church is your continuing “church home” after your marriage — a place to seek God’s Spirit and truth through worship, education, friendship, and service to others. We wish you every joy and blessing.

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