Wedding Ministry
Your special day...
Ann Murfee, a member of the congregation, gave this charming painting to the church in 1980. She described her painting: "Historic Bon Air Christian Church was the scene of my daughter's wedding on a cold, sleety January day. In the church, wall candles burned brightly and the spirits of these two young people were united in love. Outside, a double rainbow shown in the heavens which was unusual on such a cold winter's day.
The wedding ceremony is a worship service that is both reverent and joyful. Please keep this in mind when planning your wedding ceremony.
Our Sanctuary
Our lovely Victorian Church is a popular location for weddings. Seating capacity for our sanctuary is 135.
Music
Since your wedding is a service of worship, please choose appropriate music. Your organist will be happy to advise you as to what music might be used. You may employ our church organist or another organist of your choice.
Decorations
Bon Air Christian Church is often chosen for wedding ceremonies because of its quaint beauty. Additional decorations, such as flowers, should be used sparingly. All material used in decorating must be flameproof. There are twelve candle sconces around the interior of the sanctuary, which may be lit during your ceremony. Freestanding candelabras are not permitted in the sanctuary, however table model unity candles may be used as an alternative.
Birdseed may be used on church property, however the use of rice or confetti is prohibited. Please do not move church furniture or pianos. Defacing walls or furniture in any way is prohibited. Please take down all decorations following your ceremony.
Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed on church property.
Photography
Because of the sacredness and beauty of your wedding service, we prefer that photographs not be taken during the ceremony. Photographs should be taken prior to and following the wedding.
Rehearsal
Wedding ceremonies that involve more than four persons should be rehearsed. Your rehearsal should take one hour or less. The minister you select is in charge of the rehearsal.
Minister
The minister officiating at your wedding ceremony must be ordained and must be registered with a Circuit Court in Virginia.
Cynthia K. Stratton is the minister of our church. She has been pastor of Bon Air Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 1986. She was one of the first full time women pastors of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia. Reverend Stratton serves as an active leader in our denomination.
Reverend Stratton gives first priority to members of our church when scheduling weddings. She will officiate at weddings for non-members if her schedule permits. If you would like Reverend Stratton to officiate at your wedding, please contact her during church office hours to schedule a meeting. You will need to schedule your premarital conferences, rehearsal and wedding date with her prior to making other arrangements for your wedding. You will need to bring your marriage license to her one week prior to your wedding. Remember that your Virginia marriage license is valid for sixty days after the application date.
Church Access on your wedding day
The church will be opened by our custodian one hour prior to the wedding. Please share this information in advance with your florist, photographer and other members of your wedding party. Requests for early access cannot be accommodated.
Deposits and Fees
(Payable to BACC)
Reservation Deposit: $25
Sanctuary Fee: $350
Rehearsal Fee: $125
Fellowships Hall Fee: $300 + security deposit ($100)
BACC Minister Fee: $300
BACC Organist Fee: $200
Your deposit will be returned if the church premises are left undamaged and in good order. All fees must be paid six weeks in advance. Separate checks are required for each service rendered.
Scheduling Changes
Contact the church office prior to making any changes in dates or times of your wedding. Loss of all paid deposits may result if you make scheduling changes without notifying Bon Air Christian Church in advance.
Compliance with Procedures
You are responsible for communicating these procedures with those who are involved in the preparation of your wedding (caterer, florist, etc.). If you are in doubt as to whether your plans are in keeping with our church procedures, please ask us.
Staff
The Reverend Cynthia K. Stratton, BACC Senior Minister
Becky Harvell, Church Secretaries
Vickie Brooks, Organist and Choir Director
Other Resources
For more information please contact us during office hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - Noon.