Congratulations on your decision to be married! On behalf of the church family here at the Akron First United Methodist Church, we rejoice with you in your upcoming wedding. We believe marriage is a holy and special bond between one man and one woman and are pleased that we can play a part in your ceremony. This webpage is intended to give you all the necessary information to make this occasion a meaningful one and to assure that the wedding and surrounding tasks run smoothly. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting in ensuring that your wedding is a special and memorable time. In Christ, Rev. Keith A. Manry Pastor, Akron First United Methodist Church   Meeting with the Pastor... You will need to meet with the pastor 5 times (including today) in person. During our first meeting we will get an opportunity to know one another, which will make for a much more meaningful ceremony. During the next three meetings we will spend time discussing issues that will play a central role in your marriage – common values, hopes and dreams, children, religious background, finances, etc. Following those meetings we will meet to plan your service. I can be reached at 542-2060 or by email at kmanry@akronfirstumc.org.   Church Attendance... The congregation of the Akron First United Methodist Church wants to celebrate your wedding with you. While you are under no obligation to include the congregation in your special day, we require that you attend worship at least 4 times before your wedding date. We feel that worship attendance is an important part of the Christian life and in using the sanctuary, you have indicated an interest in the Christian life.   Photographs... Pictures are important to families as years pass and memories are recalled. Flash pictures may be taken before the processional and after the recessional. There are to be NO flash pictures during the ceremony and NO pictures from the altar area. Any pictures that require close up shots such as the exchange of rings can be posed for after the ceremony. Please inform both your photographer and guests of this policy.   Florist/Floral Arrangements… A florist of your choice may be chosen and arrangements made with the church for delivery of flowers ahead of time if needed.   Please note that tape, nails, or tacks are not to be used on the woodwork.   Rice, Birdseed, Confetti, etc… Rice is no longer allowed to be thrown at weddings. We suggest using birdseed and require that you sweep and clean immediately following the service. Please arrange for a family member or close friend to make sure that the sanctuary, entry way, sidewalk and front steps are free of any debris left from the celebration following the ceremony.   Candles and Candelabras... A unity candle along with two individual candles representing the bride and groom may be incorporated in the service if you desire. It is your responsibility to purchase these candles. If you need assistance doing so please call the church office and we can order them for you – 542-2060.   Two candelabras are available for use upon request. These candles are oil burning so no candles need to be purchased.   Rehearsal... The wedding rehearsal will be held as close to the time of the ceremony as is possible, with the night before being ideal. The rehearsal should be over within 45 minutes, and no more than an hour. It will be scheduled during our first session together. Please notify your wedding party as soon as possible.   Music... If organ music is used, it must be provided by our organist. A sound system is also available if you desire to play a CD or cassette. If a secular melody is used, the lyrics must be approved with the pastor ahead of time. If you desire to use the sound system for special music, one of our sound technicians will be present.   Marriage License... The state of NY requires that a license of marriage be obtained and the couple fulfill the legal formality of pronouncement. A license may be obtained in any county in the state of NY and is good for 30 days following the date of issue. The license must be brought to the rehearsal and given to the pastor. It will be witnessed at the time of the rehearsal and will be filed by the church office following the ceremony.   Download the complete Wedding Agreement here.