Marriage is one of God’s greatest blessings and we praise Him for this incredible gift. Summit Woods Baptist Church has great joy in wedding celebrations, and as your church home, we would love to share in that joy together.
We are excited that you are considering SWBC as the venue for your ceremony and reception. We look forward to the celebration of the Lord’s goodness and majesty expressed in your union as man and woman (Gen 2:21-24).
As shepherds of your souls who will give an account before the Lord for you (Heb 13:17), the elders of SWBC take seriously the responsibility to prepare our members for marriage. With that in mind, our recommendation is that you seek pre-marital counseling before you get engaged.
Once an engagement happens a couple can tend to turn off their ears as their eyes and hearts are fixed on a date and planning for the wedding event. If you’re engaged and seeking to start pre-marital counseling, we request that you not set a date for the same reason.
All pre-marital counseling is discussed at a high level among the elders and the elders collectively must agree as to the decision to move forward toward marriage for one of our elders to perform the wedding and have it at SWBC. While wedding planning is important, preparing for marriage is more important. The timeline determined by a couple may need to be revised considering the counsel of the elders.
Once the elders have approved your wedding at Summit Woods Baptist Church the next step is to complete the Wedding Sign-up Form. Once that form is submitted, you’ll hear from one of our staff pastors, who will work with you as you prepare for your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions & Couple's Responsibilities
Can we get married at Summit Woods Baptist Church?
Weddings will be held only for our members and their immediate family members. The bride or groom (or both) must be a member in good standing at Summit Woods Baptist Church.
Are there any requirements before we get married?
Yes. Summit Woods Baptist Church requires couples to participate in premarital counseling. Couples will be required to meet with the pastor performing their ceremony in order to discuss their readiness for marriage. Couples may also be required to meet with a married couple to disciple them and answer any questions they may have.
When should we book our wedding?
We advise every couple to enter our marriage preparation process as soon as they are thinking seriously of being married or well before their preferred wedding date. Six months to one-year advanced notice is highly recommended due to the need for adequate preparation through counseling.
Will anyone help us coordinate our wedding?
Yes. To ensure a smooth rehearsal and wedding, Summit Woods Baptist Church requires and provides a wedding coordinator. Our coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the wedding rehearsal and directing the wedding. They will meet with the bride and groom to discuss the details of the wedding in order to make sure they align with our campus policies. The couple may be creative in their ceremony, keeping in mind that a wedding is a worship ceremony, and all aspects of the ceremony should be planned in conjunction with the coordinator.
Who will officiate our ceremony?
All who are ordained, licensed, commissioned or otherwise authorized by this church to solemnize marriages may do so, in the exercise of religious freedom, only where the participants are one man and one woman (Gen. 2:21–24; Matt. 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9). Please note that only pastors of Summit Woods Baptist Church can perform weddings on our campus, unless there is a prior agreement with the elders. Any outside pastor who is to be involved in a wedding ceremony must agree with the Summit Woods Baptist Church wedding policy and must have the permission of the Elders.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the church office at 816-525-8215. We look forward to receiving your call.
Contact Information
816-525-8215
info@swbcls.org