Who may be married at Chapelwood?
We invite our members to be married at Chapelwood. Members are defined as the bride, groom, biological parent(s), stepparent(s), or biological grandparent(s) of the bride or groom who have taken the vows of membership at Chapelwood UMC at least one year prior to the wedding date. If you would like to be married at Chapelwood and are not a member, please contact Kristin Razo at [email protected] to learn more about becoming a member.
Are there guidelines for having a wedding at Chapelwood?
Yes, all couples married at Chapelwood must agree in writing to the guidelines and contractual arrangements as defined in our documentation and discussed with the Pastor of Congregational Care, Andrew Wolfe, at [email protected]. Weddings are not considered confirmed until the signed contract, signed acknowledgement of the guidelines, and wedding fee are received.
What is the payment schedule?
WEDDING FACILITY, MUSICIAN, AND MINISTERIAL FEES
The wedding facility fee includes use of the Bride's Room, Groom's Room, parking lots, safety personnel, a wedding Guild Lead and assistant, pre-marital counseling course Prepare & Enrich, and use of designated building and grounds associated with reserved location.
Sanctuary: $1,850
Chapel: $1,100
MUSICIAN FEES
Consultation with Director of Music - $200
Every couple must have a consultation with the Director of Music to establish the ceremony order of service and approval for musicians and music.
Music provided by Cameron Cody - $300
Staff musician James Kelly - $500
Staff Soloists - $300
Any fees for non-staff musicians, such as, but not limited to: soloist, bell choir, chancel choir, etc. would be paid separately per instructions provided by the Director of Music, Cameron Cody.
All outside non-staff musicians must receive approval by the Director of Music. Fees will be determined by the Director of Music for outside musicians.
The consultation fee for the Director of Music, Cameron Cody, should be paid during the mandatory in-person meeting.
You may contact Cameron Cody, Director of Music for more information at [email protected] or (713) 827-3993.
MINISTERIAL FEES
CHAPELWOOD MINISTERAL FEE - $400.00. A Chapelwood minister must be present and participate in all weddings, even if a guest minister is also part of the ceremony. A check should be made out in the name of the Chapelwood pastor and provided to the Wedding Guild Lead during the rehearsal.
GUEST MINISTER FEE – If desired, a guest minister may be invited by Chapelwood to take part in the ceremony. Any fee for a Guest Minister should be paid directly to the Guest Minister by the bride and groom in the amount requested by the Guest Minister.
What type of music is allowed?
The music used must support worship, be sacred in theme and Christian in content, and be in keeping with scripture and teachings of the United Methodist Church. Secular music is not permitted. All musical decisions are set at the discretion of the Director of Music and any special musical needs should be discussed during the wedding planning consultation. Director of Music, Cameron Cody, may be contacted at (713) 827-3993 or [email protected].
How far in advance can a wedding be scheduled?
Weddings are scheduled no more than one calendar year from the date a wedding ceremony is requested. Wedding dates and ceremony locations will not be scheduled or tentatively held prior to receival of the signed wedding application, signed guidelines acknowledgement, and wedding fee.
When are weddings held at Chapelwood?
Weddings in the Sanctuary are held on Saturdays only. Weddings in the Chapel may be scheduled at other times. Rehearsals are held the day before a wedding, unless scheduling or other circumstances prevent this from occurring.
Weddings may not be scheduled on the following holidays:
- MLK day weekend
- The week before and weekend of Easter
- Memorial Day weekend
- July 4th weekend
- Labor Day weekend
- Thanksgiving Day and weekend following Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas day
- December 26 through December 30
- New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
- Or during church events (i.e., the week of Spring Thing Market, the weekend of Patriotic Pops concert and the week and weekend of Carols and Keyboards Concert).
Contact the wedding coordinator for all scheduling inquires.
How long will we have the space?
All worship spaces, related bride and grooms’ rooms, and designated building grounds are reserved two hours prior to a wedding and one-and-one half hour following the ceremony. Contact the Wedding Director directly should additional time be needed. Requests should be made no later than two weeks prior to the wedding date; approval is not guaranteed.
May we select our own minister?
Couples are asked to list their first and second choice Chapelwood minister when submitting their wedding application. If a couple has not chosen a minister the Wedding Director will be happy to assist in selecting one. The Director will contact the requested minister(s) on behalf of the couple and inform them of next steps based on the minister’s availability.
Guest officiants are welcome to assist Chapelwood's host minister with the ceremony. The couple should provide the guest pastor's information on the wedding application. Chapelwood's host minister will determine which officiant performs each portion of the ceremony. Please see the fees for the Chapelwood pastor and guest ministers listed under Additional Fees.
Is pre-marital counseling required?
While we do not require pre-marital counseling it is strongly encouraged by our ministers. If you are interested in learning more about pre-marital counseling please contract Rev.Andrew Wolfe at [email protected] for current classes at Chapelwood.
What types of flowers and décor are allowed?
Please consult with the Lead Wedding Guild before deciding on any decorations for the ceremony. Aisle runners are not permitted. No decorations may hide from clear view worship symbols, such as a cross. Certain décor such as paraments, holiday decorations, and banners remain up during specific Christian seasons. All decorations and equipment must be promptly removed following the ceremony. The florist or family will be held responsible for any damage done to the building during the wedding.
To dedicate flowers for Sunday morning worship services contact Pamela Moore, Flower Coordinator (713) 354-4477 or [email protected]. A statement acknowledging the gift of the flowers will be included in Sunday’s worship bulletin if proper notice is given at least one month before the wedding.
Are photography and videography allowed?
The wedding ceremony is a worship service. Photography and videotaping is permitted, observing the policies set forth here. Pictures may be taken before or after the ceremony in any part of the Sanctuary or Chapel. The ceremony begins with the organ prelude and ends with the recessional. Absolutely no flash photography is permitted during the ceremony. The wedding party may re-assemble at the altar after the ceremony and re-pose for any portion of the ceremony. Any pictures that are to include the minister should be taken before or immediately after the ceremony.
Video cameras are permitted in the balcony and at a fixed location determined by the Wedding Director and the videographer. Specific procedures for videotaping of the ceremony must be discussed in advance with the Wedding Director. It is the bride's responsibility to review all the instructions with her videographer and photographer.
To respect the spiritual atmosphere of a church wedding, please advise your friends and relatives not to take flash photographs during the ceremony.
Are pets or other animals allowed?
only certified service canines as defined by Texas Human Resources Code, Section 121.002are welcome. All other pets or animals, including emotional support animals, are prohibited anywhere on Chapelwood’s campus.
Are Smoking, Drugs, or Alcohol allowed?
Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited anywhere on Chapelwood’s campus. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the facility. Violation of this policy automatically terminates the contract and all fees become non-refundable.