Weddings
So, you want to get married…
First and most importantly: All the best to you both! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. May God bless you and your families during this exciting time as you plan your wedding day. That said, if you are thinking of having your wedding here at the First United Methodist Church of Somerville, there are a few things you need to know:
- Yes, we do permit couples who are not members to marry here.
- Yes, you can be married here if you are previously married and divorced.
- Yes, the service may be performed by someone other than Rev. Lehmkuhl.
- Yes, time permitting, Rev. Lehmkuhl will marry couples with no previous connection to this congregation or the United Methodist Church.
- And yes, he will do the ceremony at an appropriate location other than the church.
If you are thinking of asking Rev. Lehmkuhl to perform your marriage, there are a few more things you need to know:
- He will ask you to attend services at this church for a few weeks before he agrees to officiate at your service.
- He will ask you to agree to meet with him, usually four times, before the wedding to talk about the service, the words, the vows, the options and possibilities.
- He will welcome your questions, thoughts and opinions.
- He will give you the option of writing your own ceremony or vows, but only after discussing the existing liturgy so you have an idea what is in there and why.
Lastly, he does have TWO major requirements! (Reasonable, he thinks.)
- You must intend this marriage to last forever.
- There must be some belief or thought or feeling that God is somehow a part of this love you share.
Think about it. If you can’t agree on that second point, you really don’t need a minister or a church. There are lots of lovely, non-religious places that do weddings. And if you can’t agree to the first point, (I say this as gently as I can...) perhaps you should re-think the idea of getting married until both of you want it to last forever.
If you would like to speak with Rev. Lehmkuhl about your wedding, please call the church office at (908) 725-1473, or e-mail us at fumcsomerville@verizon.net.