Celebrating Your Wedding at First Lutheran Church

Congratulations! We are pleased that you want to have your wedding in this congregation.

The guiding worship documents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America describe marriage in this way:

Marriage is a gift of God, intended for the joy and mutual strength of those who enter it and for the well-being of the whole human family. God created us and blessed humankind with the gifts of companionship, the capacity to love, and the care and nurture of children. Jesus affirmed the covenant of marriage and revealed God’s own self-giving love on the cross. The Holy Spirit helps those who are united in marriage to be living signs of God’s grace, love, and faithfulness.

Marriage is also a human estate, with vows publicly witnessed. The church in worship surrounds these promises with the gathering of God’s people, the witness of the word of God, and prayers of blessing and intercession. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Leader’s Desk Edition, p. 675)

At First Lutheran Church, we plan weddings with these values in mind. We hope and pray that your wedding and your marriage may reflect God’s love present in your love and commitment for one another. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, and as such, our pastors are able to preside over same-sex/same-gender weddings.

To begin planning your wedding at First Lutheran Church, please contact the church office (563-382-2638) and download the following two documents:

1. Wedding Request and Building Use Agreement – You will need to return this form to the church office, along with any building use fees, to secure your date.

2. Wedding Planning Booklet -This booklet contains everything that you need to plan your wedding at First Lutheran Church. Please read it thoroughly. Included in this booklet:

Scheduling and Fees
Wedding Policies and Procedures
First Lutheran Church Building Use Policy
Wedding Planning Worksheet
Wedding Ceremony Worksheet

We wish you all happiness and blessing from God as you prepare for your wedding.  Let us know how we can be of assistance to you as you plan.