Dear Bride & Groom:
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! We are excited that you are interested in sharing your special day with us here at First Baptist Dallas. We are here to serve you!
Please take a moment to read the information below. If you have any further questions or would like to check the availability of a specific date, please contact the wedding coordinator, Meghan Mazzola, at 214.969.7731 or email her at mmazzola@firstdallas.org.
We are ready to help you plan your wedding and prepare you for marriage!
~~ The Wedding Ministry Team ~~
Our goal is to share the love of Christ with you and your family and rejoice with you in starting this new stage of life … marriage. We want to prepare you logistically for your wedding, but more importantly, we want to encourage you spiritually for the sacred commitment of marriage.
We strive to assist you beyond just providing a facility. We would love to suggest great vendors, create strong relationships with your vendors, and provide you with wedding tips we’ve learned throughout the years!
How far in advance can I reserve my wedding date?
Members can book their wedding date up to one year in advance.
Non-members can book 9 months in advance.
How much does it cost to get married at First Baptist Dallas?
| First Baptist Rates (Effective for bookings beginning 1/1/07) |
Non Member |
Member * |
| Ceremony Locations | [10-11:30am]
[12-4pm] [4:30-7pm] |
[10am - 7pm] |
| Sanctuary (seats 1500+) | $1,500.00 $1,750.00 $2,000.00 |
$1,000.00
|
| Heritage Chapel (seats 550) | $1,500.00 |
$ 800.00 |
| Slaughter Chapel (seats 47) | $ 350.00 |
$ 200.00 |
| Reception Locations | ||
| Ruth Behr Hall (standing 150) | $ 350.00 |
$ 250.00 |
| Grace Parlor (standing 130) | $ 300.00 |
$ 200.00 |
| The Atrium (seats 200, standing 900) | $1,200.00 |
$ 800.00 |
| Center Stage (seats 970, standing 2,079) *room, tables, chairs only; all labor extra |
$2,500.00 |
$2,500.00 |
| New Coleman Hall (seats 200) | $ 560.00 ($ 800.00 tables/chairs removed) |
$ 360.00 ($ 400.00 tables/chairs removed) |
*Bride or Groom must have been a member at First Baptist Dallas for at least one year prior to booking wedding to receive member rate*
A 50% deposit is due after your initial meeting with one of our ministers. The remaining 50% is due one month prior to your wedding. (All checks made to First Baptist Church Dallas, Credit Card payment also available.)
What is included in the ceremony rate?
▪ One hour rehearsal the night before your wedding date
▪ Sanctuary or Chapel rental for your ceremony
▪ 3 hour set up prior to ceremony time
▪ Bride’s room
▪ Groom’s room
▪ Lighting/sound technician on Wedding Day
▪ Sound system/microphones on Wedding Day
▪ Housekeeping services
***Note: We do have a piano and organ available for use; however the organ is not included in the church rate above. If you would like to use the organ, you must contact Meghan Mazzola to receive organ policies and a list of approved organists. We can also provide other musician contact information (string quartet, etc). If you do not make organ arrangements in advance, the organ will be unavailable on your wedding day!
What are the steps for booking my wedding at First Baptist Dallas?
Call the church wedding coordinator, Meghan Mazzola at 214.969.7731 to check available dates.
Once the date has been determined, it will be “held” as we schedule a time for you as a couple to meet with one of our ministers or counselors (Pathway Christian Counseling Center). This is required before you pay your deposit.
Upon approval from the minister/counselor, your 50% deposit will be due; and your date will officially be secure (however, we will contact each couple before releasing any “held” wedding dates).
Lastly, you will meet with the church wedding coordinator to discuss wedding specifics and policies; and receive your wedding notebook (you can pay your deposit at this meeting).
Why do you require each couple to meet with a church minister prior to paying a deposit?
At First Baptist Dallas, we recognize that the Bible is the very word of the living God to us, His people. We understand the priority of knowing and obeying biblical truths. For this reason, we are deeply committed to studying and teaching Scripture with diligence and authority. It is our prayer that marriages would be entered into with a commitment for life; and would become enriched and fulfilled as husbands and wives embrace Christ and the commands of His Word.
During this initial consultation, the minister or counselor may discuss the following items: your relationship with Christ, the biblical teaching of marriage as a covenant, and the importance of following a biblical standard in your marriage.
Are there other requirements for getting married at First Baptist Dallas?
As a couple, we required you to have three additional pre-marital sessions with one of our ministers prior to your wedding date. Please contact the church coordinator to schedule these sessions.
We also expect each couple to attend the Nearly Wed Seminar at First Baptist Dallas (or submit certification from an approved alternate course). The Nearly Wed Seminar is offered three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring); and takes place on 8 consecutive Sunday mornings.
Do you allow an outside Minister to perform the ceremony?
Yes, it is permissible for a guest minister from another Southern Baptist Church or church of like faith to officiate at a First Baptist Dallas wedding. We just ask that they submit a statement of belief, which will be read and approved by the First Baptist Dallas pastoral staff prior to the wedding date.
When do weddings take place at First Baptist Dallas?
Wedding will be scheduled at 11am, 2pm, and 7pm. No more than two weddings will be booked on any given Saturday in one location. We try to allow three hours for set up per wedding. Friday evening weddings are also available (except when it conflicts with a previously booked wedding rehearsal).
We do not schedule weddings on Sundays. We do not schedule weddings on Easter Weekend. At this time, we do not allow December weddings due to previously scheduled church events and programs.
Where will my guests park on the wedding day?
All wedding party and guests may park in the Veal Garage or the paved parking lot on the St. Paul side of the church for FREE. The St. Paul parking lot is only available after 6pm on weekdays and all day Saturday. Guests who choose to park in either the Ross Avenue or Spurgeon Harris Garage will incur a parking fee to be paid at the guest’s expense.
Can we use the church flowers during our wedding ceremony?
The church receives two large flower arrangements each Saturday to be used during all Sunday worship services in the Sanctuary. You can specify the color palette of the arrangements, if you would like them to match your wedding. The cost of this service is $75 (includes both arrangements, and guarantees that the flowers are delivered in time for your wedding). Please contact the church wedding coordinator for more information or to book this service. (This service only applies to Sanctuary weddings, not Heritage Chapel weddings).
Do you have to use the church catering services?
Yes, all food services must be provided through the church catering. We have a great chef that can help you create the perfect menu for your reception (from hor'dourves to a full buffet). However; you are welcome to bring in your own cake! All food invoices will come from the chef; and are separate from the reception rental rates!.
Are you required to use certain wedding vendors?
No, we just require photographers, videographers, and florists to sign a vendor agreement prior to the wedding date. The vendor policies and vendor agreement forms can be found in your First Baptist Wedding Notebook. If you need assistance choosing vendors, we can give you some great recommendations and suggestions!
Do you have music policies for wedding ceremonies?
Yes, your music selections should honor God; and create a worshipful atmosphere for your wedding ceremony. The lyrics of the music should glorify the Lord and reflect the sacredness of marriage. If you have questions regarding specific music selections, please contact the church wedding coordinator. (This applies also to video montage background music). All music selections must be turned in to the church wedding coordinator in advance of the wedding.
Do you have videography services available?
Yes, we do have video services available. This can be arranged with our media department for an additional charge. Services range from video slideshows to full video recording services. Please contact the wedding coordinator for more information.
Our passion is for God’s name to be exalted and glorified. For this reason, we take all necessary steps to maintain a worshipful spirit and atmosphere for all wedding ceremonies.
All parties involved in the wedding, including vendors and guests are prohibited from the use of cigarettes, alcohol, foul language or discourteous actions while on church property. Violation of this regulation will result in the immediate removal of the offending party or parties from church property at the time of the offense. Modest clothing is also required for the rehearsal and wedding day. Please give these guidelines to your entire wedding party.