Weddings

Dear Bride and Groom,

Wesley United Methodist Church is honored to host the Service of Christian Marriage, conducted by one of our pastors. We love weddings – but even more, we celebrate the gift of marriage and take our role in strengthening relationships and commitments seriously.

We congratulate you if you are considering Wesley United Methodist Church for your wedding ceremony! Whether in our sanctuary or Atherton Chapel, every effort will be made to ensure that your ceremony is beautiful and dignified.

You will find a link to our Wedding Guidelines below. Please read these guidelines carefully. Please call or email the church office (309-827-8046). We will be able to give you information on availability and fees.

After your initial contact with the church office, you will contact the officiating pastor to make an appointment. After you meet with a pastor, you may make a deposit and book the wedding. We will also invite you to participate in pre-marital preparation counseling – either with one of the pastors or through a Wesley program called “Marriage 101.”

We look forward to serving you and encourage you to contact us with any questions. May the Lord bless you as you plan your wedding day and prepare for your life together.

Sincerely,

Wesley United Methodist Church Staff

You can reach us by calling 309-827-8046

Office hours are 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

Marriage 101 - Becoming One

A Wesley Marriage Preparation Workshop

We know how busy you are preparing for the most important day. But how prepared will you be for what comes after the wedding...day-in, day-out, 'til-death-do-you-part?

We've all read the statistics: over 50% of marriages end in divorce. The rate is even higher for second marriages and higher still for third marriages and beyond. But we believe there are ways to beat the odds. And we'd like to share them with you!

We have put together a fun-filled, insightful program with tips and techniques for building a relationship to withstand the challenges that life can throw at your marriage. We'll be sharing from some of today's most popular Christian professionals and add from our personal experience.

So while preparing for the perfect wedding, invest a day to prepare for the rest of your lives!

Please get in touch with Kathi Pritts, kpritts@wesley-umc.com, for more information or to register for Marriage 101.

What to expect

Our Purpose

  • to present God's design for the Marriage Covenant
  • to support your marriage
  • to help you learn more about each other
  • to encourage communication
  • to introduce you to resources that encourage healthy marriages

Topics Covered

  • Who you are (personality types)
  • What you bring to your marriage (personal history, expectations)
  • Roles & responsibilities
  • Finances
  • Communication techniques
  • Intimacy & spiritual growth

Workshop Leaders

The entire day is organized and led by people just like you. The marriage ministry team comprises couples who work at their marriages and honestly care about helping you have the wedding God intends for you.

What People Say

"Very professional and very well organized!"

"...a wonderful way to enhance the foundation of our marriage."

"The resources (books, personal examples, etc.) were EXCELLENT!"

"Thanks for sharing examples from your marriage - that helps clarify ideas/concepts."

"I left better understood myself, my mate, and marriage."

"Thank you for being genuine and Christ-centered."

"I would recommend this to my friends."