Wedding Planning Process

• Call the church office at (269) 381-6340 to discuss available dates. Please request a Wedding Ceremony Application from our office staff at 

kalamazoofumc@umc-kzo.org

At the time of application a $200 non-refundable deposit is required.

• A FUMC pastor will be assigned to officiate at your wedding. The officiating clergy persons are:

• Julie Kline

• Dr. Matt Weiler

• Attend pre-marital counseling with the assigned pastor.
• Contact the organist.
• Obtain the marriage license. Bring this with you to the wedding rehearsal and give it to the pastor.

Facility Use

We’re delighted to host your celebration, and to help the day flow smoothly, weddings at the church are scheduled within a four‑hour time frame. This window includes time for photos before and/or after the ceremony.

To ensure a safe and sacred environment for everyone, we kindly ask that no alcoholic beverages be brought to or consumed on church property during the rehearsal, the wedding, or at any time. We also appreciate your partnership in keeping our grounds smoke‑free.

Photographs and Video

To help everyone stay fully present in the beauty of the ceremony, we kindly ask that photography and videography follow the guidelines provided. The church’s unique lighting makes professional photography especially helpful in capturing the moment well. You’ll find more details in the document above.

Decorations

The sanctuary’s natural beauty already creates a stunning backdrop for your celebration, and many couples find that only a few thoughtful touches are needed to make the space feel uniquely their own. You’re welcome to add personal elements, and many couples enjoy partnering with a florist for altar flowers or other arrangements. You’ll find additional details in the document above.

Wedding Fees

To help everything run smoothly as your special day approaches, we ask that all fees be paid in full one month before the wedding. You’ll receive a receipt for your records. The $200 non‑refundable application fee you paid when reserving your date will be applied toward your total wedding cost.

The total wedding fee will be finalized once we discuss your needs and this fee includes:

• Four-hour use of the building on the wedding day
• Use of facility for a wedding rehearsal
• Two dressing rooms
• Security personnel at the door
• Sound/light technician at the rehearsal and ceremony
• Organist fee
• Custodian fee
• Parking
• Use of candelabras, kneeling bench, unity candle holder, taper candles
• Premarital sessions with the officiating clergy
• Clergy honorarium

After the Wedding

We would be delighted to welcome you into the life of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. If you are not already connected with a faith community, we invite you to consider making this your church home and to join us for worship whenever you are able.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my relative, who is a pastor, perform the ceremony? 

   We’re grateful for your interest, but our weddings are officiated by one of our pastors.

2. If I don’t want an organist, is the cost lowered? 

   The fee remains the same even if you choose not to use the organist.

3. Can a friend provide the music? 

   Additional musicians or Additional musicians or soloists are warmly welcomed as part of your wedding ceremony. To ensure everything fits beautifully within the service, all musical plans should be reviewed and approved in coordination with our Music Director, Jackie Stilger. 

4. Can we use a CD instead of the organist? 

   Yes, recorded music is welcome. To ensure everything flows smoothly within the service, please coordinate your plans with our Music Director, Jackie Stilger and our A/V Team Leader Bryan Heany. 

5. Where can people park?
   We’re glad to offer a generous parking lot right next to the church for you and your guests. There is also free street parking along Academy Street on weekends and after 5:00 PM during the week. If you anticipate needing more parking than what we typically provide, please feel free to reach out to our Building Superintendent, Drew Bolton, who will be happy to talk through options with you.