Wedding Policies

Policies

• It is important to remember that Riverbend is both a non-smoking and an alcohol-free campus.
• It is the responsibility of the bride, groom and their families to inform their guests of all policies regarding the use of church property.
• The church will be unlocked two hours before the scheduled wedding time unless otherwise approved.
• Deliveries and wedding party members are welcome during those two hours.
• Dressing rooms are provided for the wedding party.
• The church will not be responsible for any personal items.
• It is the responsibility of the wedding party to inform the florist and photographer of our stated policies.

Decorations

• Wedding dresses may not be delivered to the church.
• The florist should call the Wedding Coordinator during regular office hours at least 48 hours in advance of the wedding to set a time for delivery/decoration of the church.
• Only ribbon or cloth may be used to secure bows to pews or chairs.
• Please do not attach tape since it may remove finish from the wood.
• Riverbend rents candelabras. The Wedding Coordinator can give you more details about what is available. We ask you to only use the candelabras provided by the church. Only LED candles are to be used on the stage.
• Candles of any kind are not allowed on upper ledges near stained glass windows.
• Real rose petals are not to be dropped by flower girls due to carpet stains unless an aisle runner is used. Riverbend does not provide aisle runners.
• Confetti or rice are not allowed.
• Decorations and rental equipment are to be removed promptly following the ceremony. They may not be left overnight. To meet this requirement, the florist must make arrangements to have all of his or her property picked up immediately following the wedding.
• The church will not be responsible for removing and storing equipment and is not responsible for any articles left after the wedding.
• The church reserves the right to bar any florist not willing to accommodate these rules.

Music and Sound

• Reflecting the sacred nature of the wedding ceremony, every part of the ceremony, including the music, should be appropriate.
• The wedding fee includes the use of an audio technician and up to four microphones for performers.
• Sound equipment may be used by church personnel only.
• Soloists and musicians may rehearse one hour prior to the wedding, when the sound technician arrives.
• Our Wedding Coordinator can suggest several accompanists and vocalists for weddings.
• There is a beautiful grand piano for accompanists, but there is no organ.
• Fees for accompanists or vocalists must be arranged independently with the individuals involved.

Dogs Participating in a Wedding Service or Other Events on Campus
The policy of Riverbend Church is to charge a $500.00 deposit for any person or group that wishes to use a dog(s) for an event. This deposit will be used to offset any cost associated with damages or soiling of any Riverbend building or property. If no damage occurs, $150.00 is kept for extra cleaning and $350.00 will be returned within 30 days after the event.

Photography/Video Policies

• Photographers must check in with the Wedding Coordinator prior to the ceremony.
• Photographs may be taken before or after the ceremony.
• If pictures are taken after the wedding, they should be taken immediately following the ceremony.
• Please instruct the entire wedding party, including parents and ushers, not to leave the auditorium after the ceremony to minimize delay.
• Video cameras are allowed if they remain stationary and relatively inconspicuous during the wedding ceremony. They are not to disrupt the sacred nature of the ceremony.
• NO CAMERAS are allowed in front of the stage area or on the side areas during the ceremony.
• If the Remembrance Gardens are to be used for wedding portraits, an appointment must be made with the director of the Gardens. Please contact Keary Bailey at 512.809.0035 to schedule an appointment.