A BRIEF HISTORY OF PARK CHURCH
Park Church is one of the three oldest Protestant Churches in Grand Rapids.  Established in 1836,historic Park Church has been a place of Christian worship, education, fellowship and service for 170 years.
Part of Park Church’s unique charm is its modified gothic architecture accented by a beautiful and irreplaceable Tiffany Window collection.  The new organ of Park Church is an 80 rank organ of exceptional quality.  Although there are many wonderful churches in Grand Rapids, we believe that getting married at Park Church can be picture perfect!

                                     SEATING CAPACITY AT PARK CHURCH
                                         The nave or main floor seating level of Park Church holds 600                                            people.  The balcony holds another 150 people.

                                              CONDUCT OF THE WEDDING PARTY
                                               The wedding party is encouraged to be on time for the                                                wedding rehearsal so that the rehearsal can begin and end                                               according to the church’s schedule.  The wedding party                                              should feel free to dress casually.
                                           Absolutely no alcohol is permitted on church
                                      property. Nor is it acceptable for the wedding
                                party to be under the influence of any drug or
alcohol during the rehearsal or wedding ceremony.  Park Church
is also a non-smoking facility.

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES OF PARK CHURCH
In addition to the sanctuary, the following areas of our church
can be secured by the bride and groom:

Thompson Chapel
Thompson Chapel is a beautiful chapel that seats 100 people.
Thompson Chapel also contains gorgeous stained glass windows and
a pipe organ.  Either Thompson Chapel or the Sanctuary can be used by the bride and groom for their wedding.
Merriam Hall
Merriam Hall can comfortably seat 190 people at round tables or 250 people at long banquet tables.  For an additional charge, Merriam Hall can be reserved for your wedding reception.  Please speak with the Wedding Coordinator for more information.
Bridal Room
The Bridal Room provides a comfortable and convenient place for the bride and her attendants to dress and prepare for the wedding ceremony.  Dressing rooms are also provided for the groom and groom’s men.  All dressing rooms should be cleared immediately following the wedding ceremony so that the custodians can begin cleaning the facility for other usage.
The Small Dining Room
The Small Dining Room is available for small wedding receptions.  This intimate setting can hold 64 people at round tables.
The Parlors of Park Church
Two beautiful parlors are available to the bridal party before the wedding ceremony so that family can be comfortable while they wait for the ceremony to begin.  The parlors should be left clean and in order.
Church Parking Lot
The church’s parking lot is located next to the church.  The lot holds 125 cars.  The wedding party is encouraged to use the lot for the rehearsal and wedding ceremony.  All those attending the wedding ceremony are also permitted to use the church’s parking lot.

ARRIVAL OF WEDDING PARTY ON THE WEDDING DAY
The wedding package includes use of the church’s facility 2 hours before and 1 hour after the wedding ceremony.  If more time is required, the additional charge is $50.00 per hour payable at the rehearsal.

MARRIAGE LICENSE
The marriage license should be given to the Wedding Coordinator at the rehearsal.

SIGNING THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the maid/matron of honor and best man will join the minister in the church’s Heritage Room, right off the Narthex and Sanctuary, for the purpose of signing the Marriage License as witnesses.  Two copies will be mailed to Probate Court and one copy will be given to the bride and groom by the Wedding Coordinator before they leave the church.

                                                     CHURCH STAFF
                                                         The Rev. Mr. Todd A. Petty, Senior Minister
                                                            Work:  616.459.3203
                                                              Email:  tpetty@parkchurchgr.org

                                                                 James Metzler, Organist and Director of Music
                                                                  Work:  616.459.3203
                                                                   Email:  jmetzler@parkchurchgr.org

                                                                 ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
                                                               Aisle Pew Candles and Acolyte - $50.00
                                                             Audio CD and Technician - $50.00
                                                          Unity Candle - $30.00

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER DECORATIONS
You should contact the florist of your choice for flowers at your wedding.  The florist should then contact the Wedding Coordinator to schedule delivery.
Ribbon or floral arrangements may be used to mark the pews or aisle pew candles – wire, nails, tacks or tape is strictly prohibited in order to maintain the beauty of our historic sanctuary’s furnishings.

CEREMONIAL DEPARTURE OF BRIDE AND GROOM
As the bride and groom leave the church following the wedding ceremony, rice, bird seed and balloons are strictly prohibited.  We suggest that wedding parties use bubbles or bells to send off the bride and groom.

PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO
The official photographer should be notified by the bride and groom that flash photography may be taken while the wedding party and bride enter the sanctuary.  During the ceremony itself, flash photography is prohibited.  You may contract with a professional to video tape your wedding.  Video taping should be done from the balcony.  Both the photographer and videographer should speak with the Wedding Coordinator before the wedding ceremony to clarify any questions.

SECURING A DATE FOR YOUR WEDDING
In order to secure a date for your wedding, you must consult with the Wedding Coordinator of Park Church.  Your date will be guaranteed when we receive your Wedding Ceremony Application Form and a non-refundable check for $500.00.

WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGE
The Wedding Ceremony Package is $2,000.00.  This package includes the use of our historic facility, pre-marital conferences, clergy, organist, Wedding Coordinator and custodians.  A $500.00 deposit should be mailed with your Wedding Ceremony Application Form.  The balance is due the day of your wedding rehearsal.  Additional musicians or soloists should be paid directly by the bride and groom.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  DO YOU ALLOW NON-MEMBER WEDDINGS?

Yes, we do allow non-member weddings.

2.  CAN WE USE OUR OWN MINISTER FOR THE CEREMONY?

Yes, you may use your own Minister.  However, our Minister will be present as a liaison of Park Church, and be present at the rehearsal and ceremony.  You will be responsible for paying your own Minister, it will not be included in the wedding package.  The Minister of Park Church will still be paid for his attendance and participation at your wedding ceremony.