Grace and peace to you!
Congratulations on your engagement. Your love is a gift, a reflection of the divine love that created the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe itself. As you plan your wedding, we are honored that you are considering having your ceremony blessed by God in the company of your family and friends. A Christian wedding is a service of worship, a joyful moment where we celebrate your commitment to one another and acknowledge God as the source of all love.
Here at Christ the King Lutheran Church, we see marriage as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) defines it: “A covenant of mutual promises, commitment and hope authorized legally by the state and blessed by God.” It is a sacred gift, intended for the joy and strength of the couple and for the well-being of the entire human family.
This page is designed to guide you through the process of planning your wedding with us, whether in our beautiful sanctuary or at a scenic location here on the North Shore.
The Heart of a Christian Wedding
To be married in the church is to make a statement of faith. It is a desire to build your life together not just with each other, but in a relationship with God and with a community of faith. Every wedding service at Christ the King is therefore a worship service that celebrates two beautiful things: the unique love story of the couple and the boundless love of God who brought them together. Our policies are designed to ensure your wedding day is sacred, personal, and joy-filled.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
We recommend beginning the planning process at least 6-8 months before your desired wedding date. To ensure the pastor and your preferred location are available, we ask that you connect with us before you book any other venues or vendors. The process is simple:
- Contact the Pastor: The first step is a conversation. Please call the church office or email the pastor directly to inquire about a date. We find it’s always best to work directly with you, the couple, throughout this process.
- Initial Meeting: We will schedule a time to meet, get to know one another, and discuss your hopes for your wedding. If you are not members of our church, we warmly encourage you to attend a worship service to get a feel for our community and our pastor’s style. Your wedding date is confirmed after this initial meeting.
- Wedding Conversations: The pastor will meet with you several times to discuss your relationship, your faith, and the meaning of Christian marriage. This is a time of preparation not just for the wedding day, but for your life together.
- Planning the Service: Together, we will craft a ceremony that is both deeply meaningful to you and faithful to our worship tradition.
Crafting Your Wedding Service
Every wedding officiated by our pastor is a service of worship and will include prayers, readings from Holy Scripture, a brief homily celebrating the good news of God’s love, your vows, and a final blessing.
Who May Be Married?
The pastor’s primary calling is to serve the members of Christ the King and their families. However, we joyfully consider officiating weddings for non-members as a form of hospitality and outreach. The pastor has the final discretion in all circumstances.
Who May Officiate?
The pastor of Christ the King officiates at all weddings held in our church. We are open to including other clergy or licensed officiants in the service, with the approval and invitation of our pastor.
Location
The pastor is available for weddings in our church sanctuary or at off-site locations on the North Shore, subject to approval. A fee applies for non-members using the church building.
Holy Communion
Celebrating Holy Communion is a beautiful and meaningful option for a wedding. If you choose to include it, we will provide the bread and wine. In accordance with the practice of the ELCA, we will invite all baptized Christians present to share in the meal.
Music
Music in worship is an offering to God. While this doesn’t limit you to explicitly “religious” music, all musical selections should reflect the sacred nature of the service. We can connect you with church musicians or you can arrange for your own. Our sound system is available for playing music from a portable device.
Wedding Files for Your Planning
The Practical Details
The Rehearsal
The rehearsal, typically held the evening before the wedding, is essential for helping everyone in the wedding party feel comfortable and prepared. The pastor will lead this run-through. It is vital that all participants attend and are on time.
Your Marriage License
You are responsible for obtaining a valid California marriage license. The pastor cannot legally perform the ceremony if the physical license is not present. Please bring it to the rehearsal. At least one witness must sign the license, and the officiant will mail it to the appropriate county clerk’s office afterward.
- Placer County: Link to Placer County Clerk
- Nevada County: Link to Nevada County Clerk
Photography and Videography
To preserve the sacred atmosphere of your wedding, we ask photographers and videographers to be as inconspicuous as possible.
- Flash photography is permitted only during the processional and recessional.
- During the service, photographers may shoot with available light from the back, side, or balcony areas. They may not enter the chancel (the altar area).
- Video should be recorded from a fixed position.
Decorations, Bulletins, and Send-Off
- Decorations: Decorations in the sanctuary should be minimal. Nothing may be taped or affixed to furnishings. Flowers are welcome beside the altar area, but not on the altar itself.
- Bulletins: We can provide you with an outline and examples to help you create your own worship bulletin.
- Send-Off: For safety and environmental reasons, we do not permit rice or birdseed. Bubbles or small bells are wonderful alternatives!
Decorum
A wedding is a service of worship. We expect all members of the wedding party to conduct themselves with reverence. The pastor reserves the right to refuse to officiate or to exclude a participant if anyone, including the couple, is under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Schedule of Fees
These fees support the ministry of our church and the time of our dedicated staff. A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to reserve your date.
| Service | Recipient | Active Members | All Others |
| Officiant | Pastor | Optional Gift | $450 |
| Chapel Use | Christ the King | Optional Gift | $300 |
| Social Hall for Dressing | Christ the King | Optional Gift | $50 |
| Study Room for Dressing | Christ the King | Optional Gift | $50 |
| Social Hall for Reception | Christ the King | Optional Gift | $300 |
A Final Word
It is a profound joy to walk with couples as they begin their married life. We look forward to talking with you, praying with and for you, and helping you create a wedding ceremony that truly honors your love and your faith. Please do not hesitate to reach out to begin the conversation.