- Building Use Request
- Weddings at Mayflower
Please review the following Building Use Policy before proceeding to the Building Use Form.
POLICY ON USE OF
BUILDING AND PROPERTY
Updated December 2010
Mayflower is pleased to make available its building for meetings and gatherings of individuals, groups and organizations subject to availability and strict adherence to the following conditions as approved by the Board of Deacons.
The form to requesting use of the facilities is located on this webpage. The form must be completed by the person(s) making the request prior to use of building. After completion of the form, it will automatically be forwarded to the Church Office for processing. The Board of Deacons meets the second Sunday of every month and Building Use Requests are addressed at those meetings. You will be notified by e-mail of the Board’s decision. Inability to meet the time requirements of the Deacon’s meeting or emergency use of building may be addressed by calling the church office at 405-842-8897 and talking with the Church Secretary, Helen Sullivan.
The areas of the Mayflower building available for use are:
- The Sanctuary
- Milligan Hall – large multiple use room with AV equipment
- Parlor – furnished like a living room
- Library – long conference table and chairs
- Kitchen – fully equipped
The following provisions will be agreed to and followed:
- At no time are weapons of any type allowed on the Mayflower premises or in the Mayflower building proper.
- Tobacco usage (including smokeless tobacco) within the Mayflower building is not allowed.
- While some Mayflower sponsored events may allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages, Alcohol usage at any event sanctioned as part of this usage policy, is prohibited.
- The requested space will be inspected before and after use by the Church Sexton. Any damage to the building will be reported immediately to the church office. Any damage to the building will be evaluated; repair estimates obtained, and the cost of repairs will be charged back to the sponsoring organization or individuals who requested use of property.
- Mayflower property may not be used for any for-profit venture.
- Mayflower property may be used for not-for-profit fund raising events only by Mayflower sponsored groups or organizations such as, Youth Events, Choir, 363, etc. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
- Mayflower property will not be used for any partisan political organizations or functions. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
- Mayflower sponsored organizations or groups are exempt from the usage fee outlined below.
- Organizations not sponsored by Mayflower, but including Mayflower members in the organizations are exempt from the usage fees as long as a Mayflower member requests use of building in their name and attends the function. Example such as a book review club with Mayflower member or members in club and attending the event.
FEES
| Fee Type | Prepayment Amount | Refundable Deposit | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Usage Fee | $50.00 | $0.00 | $50.00 |
| Kitchen Surcharge | $75.00 | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Sexton Surcharge | $25.00 | $0.00 | $25.00 |
- There will be a $50.00 usage fee payable to Mayflower Church for any space requested unless your group etc. meets the exempt category outlined above. Sections 8 & 9
- If the kitchen area is to be used, an additional $75.00 prepayment will be required. $25.00 will be returned after the area is inspected by the Sexton and all linen is returned to the church. The remaining $50.00 is considered a usage fee and payable to the Church Guild. The kitchen must be left clean, with all items replaced in their proper place and with all linens washed, ironed and returned to the church within one week. This kitchen fee is in addition to the General Usage Fee.
- If the services of the Church Sexton are used, such as arranging a room, setting up tables and chairs, there will be a $25.00 fee payable to the Church Sexton. This fee is in addition to any other fee charged but is not applicable in the exempt categories, Sections 8 & 9.
The Mayflower Board of Deacons reserves the right to refuse any request it believes conflicts with the mission of the Church and all decisions of the Board are final and not reviewable.
Approved by the Mayflower Board of Deacons Dec. 2010.
Continue to the Building Use Form.
Weddings at Mayflower
The sanctuary at Mayflower Church is simple, elegant, and quintessentially New England. Clear glass windows, puritan style bench pews, an elevated and divided chancel of jet-black granite, and a deep-red, carpeted center aisle for the long bridal march has made Mayflower the ideal setting for a traditional wedding-and a photographer's dream.
ONLY active members of the church (for one year or more) and their immediate family (sons or daughters) can have a full wedding ceremony, with rehearsal, music, and reception at Mayflower. As an "Open & Affirming" church, Mayflower will also preform same sex weddings.
Non-members can have small, no-rehearsal "walk-in" weddings subject to the availability of Dr. Meyers, who must perform all non-member weddings.
POLICIES AND FEES:
Member Full Wedding Ceremonies
Weddings at Mayflower Church are simple, but elegant in both style and substance. We insist that those who wish to have their wedding ceremony here understand that weddings are a spiritual experience, and that what happens in the sanctuary when two people are joined in sacred covenant is a serious, momentous occasion. At Mayflower, an Open and Affirming congregation, same gender loving couples may also be joined in the sacred covenant of marriage. In order to assure that your wedding is the most meaningful, and spiritual experience possible, Mayflower has rules that we ask everyone in the wedding party to follow.
There is no "fee" for the services of Mayflower clergy when the wedding involves an active member of the church, or their son or daughter (regardless of whether they are members). Likewise for active members of the church, or their son or daughter, there is no charge for the use of the church facilities, except in the case of a reception at the church (where a $100 set up and clean up fee for the Sexton is required).
Members are required to pay the organist a minimum of $100, and to pay for any soloists or additional musicians.
Taped music is strongly discouraged at Mayflower because we provide the services of a wonderful pipe organ and a magnificent grand piano, played by the talented Minister of Music at Mayflower, Richard Jobe. Richard has first right of refusal to play for all weddings at Mayflower, but is happy to work with soloists or other musicians who may be requested by the family.
A Mayflower wedding service is clearly a religious ceremony, but is not heavy-handed, or offensive to non-Christians. It blends both ancient and contemporary language in a service that is brief, personal, and relevant. Brides are not "given away," nor are they ask to "obey" their husbands! And it's "husband and wife," not "man and wife."
To book a member wedding that requires a rehearsal, call the church office to check on the availability of Dr. Meyers for the date you have in mind. If he is not available because of travel or other obligations, we will suggest other clergy who can perform the service, or allow the family to provide a minister.
Receptions can be held in Milligan Hall ONLY for church members or their immediate family. All expenses related to the reception are the responsibility of the family, and the wedding party is responsible for an damage to the church facility or kitchen. Wine and champagne are allowed in an amount necessary for a toast, but no continuous consumption of alcohol is allowed at Mayflower, including an open or "cash" bar. This policy is strictly enforced.
Dates for all full member wedding ceremonies must be reserved by calling Helen Sullivan, church secretary, at 842-8897, subject to the availability of Dr. Meyers.
Dr. Meyers and Rev. Moore have first right to refuse any wedding ceremony held at Mayflower. Other clergy may participate (offer a brief prayer, blessing, or reading for example), but our ministers will officiate.
Call Helen Sullivan at 842-8897 to inquire about available dates.
Helpful Information
Here are some additional, time-tested rules that wedding parties must follow:
- Professional photographers will be required to conform to traditional rules that enhance the beauty of your wedding, and do not create a distraction during the ceremony–including no flash pictures during the ceremony (and this includes audience members, who are not to take pictures or use camcorders during the service). Flash photos may be taken by the photographer during the processional and recessional, and of course after the service. Audience members may also take pictures after the service. The wedding may be videotaped as long as the camera is positioned to be unobtrusive and camera is stationary. Please share this information with your photographer, so there will be no misunderstanding.
- Our sanctuary is acoustically sensitive and a crying infant can spoil a ceremony that you have planned for a year or more, at great expense. Please let your wedding party know that it’s church policy that children under the age of two are not to be in the sanctuary during the wedding. We have a nursery, and if you need a qualified sitter, the church can supply one, but it is the responsibility of the wedding party to pay the sitter ($10 per hour).
- Taped music is not permitted, nor are electronic keyboards, speakers, synthesizers, etc. Harp music, chamber music, violin, oboe, flute, guitar, etc. are all fine.
- Smoking and alcohol (of any kind) are strictly prohibited. Please be sure to inform your wedding party of this rule.
- No coolers may be brought into the church either at the rehearsal or on the day of the wedding.
- No aisle runners are allowed in the sanctuary (we’ve seen too many brides trip over them).
- the church has two, seven-candle candelabra which you are welcome to use at no charge. But you must supply your own “chayce” (no wax) candles. Most florists can supply them.
- Important: On the night of the rehearsal, the wedding party is responsible to pay the organist directly. Please have a check ready that night, made payable to the organist, in the amount of $100.
Quick Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
- The sanctuary seats approximately 350 people, and the balcony can seat up to 100 more. Yet the entire space has a small, intimate feel.
- There are 18 rows of pews on the main floor. By all means, drop by the church and have a look for yourself.
- Yes, you may leave gowns, dresses, and tuxes at the church on the night just before your wedding.
- If you have a soloist performing at your wedding, it is your responsibility to pay the soloist (we suggest $50). If they need to practice with the organist/pianist, please let the church secretary know so that arrangements can be made. Usually soloists can practice before or after the rehearsal.
- As with many other churches these days, we prohibit the throwing of rice, bird seed, etc. after the ceremony, or the dropping of real flower petals down the center aisle. However, silk flower petals may be used for that purpose.
- Rehearsals are strictly limited to one hour in length, so make sure that your wedding party comes to rehearsal on time. On the day of wedding, the consultant will open the church two hours before the wedding begins, and the wedding party is expected to be out of the building no later than one hour after the conclusion of the ceremony.
- –Young children (10 and under) are permitted to be flower girls and/or ring bearers. They are welcome to be part of the processional and recessional, but will be seated with a responsible adult for the actual ceremony (there is a convenient time just after the ceremony has begun when the adults move onto the chancel that young children can take their seats with a parent or grandparent).
- Any other questions, just call the church office, 842-8897. After you have booked a wedding you will be put directly in touch with the wedding consultant, who will handle all your questions from that point on.
Reserving a Date
RESERVING A DATE AND REFUND POLICY
Wedding dates at Mayflower are reserved ONLY when full payment is received in the church office.
Member weddings can be conducted Mayflower ministers, or other clergy if necessary or desired. If one of Mayflower's Ministers are conducting a full wedding service for a church member, only the wedding consultant and the organist must be paid. To reserve the date, a check for $250 is required.
To check on available dates, and to get information on how to make payment, contact Helen Sullivan, church secretary, at 842-8897, Monday - Friday during business hours (8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.)
Because weddings are booked far in advance, and commit the church and its staff to long-range planning - as well as prohibit other events from being scheduled on that date - we are unable to refund wedding fees if the wedding does not take place.
For all information, and additional questions, call 842-8897.