Christian Marriage

Planning for your marriage is a wonderful and exciting time, but can also be very hectic and stressful. At Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, we rejoice with you on this wonderful occasion. Marriage is an important milestone in the life of faith, and as a community in Christ, we want to support you as you begin your lives together in any way we can. One way we do this is by leading worship. Marriage, like any time in life, is an appropriate time to worship God, give thanks for the gifts God has given us in our families and spouse, and to ask for God's blessing and help for a new marriage. The wedding is only the first step along a great journey, and God walks with us throughout the way. As God's church, we wish to journey along with you as well.

Helpful Tips in Planning a Wedding

Before you get started, there are some things you may need to know. First, be sure to download these two forms so that we can assist you in preparing for your wedding day. After you have filled them out, please return them with your deposit to the church office.

1. Wedding Information Form

Click here to download a Wedding Information form with our wedding policies. Please return this sheet to the main office with the deposit. We must have this sheet and the deposit before we can book the church for your ceremony. 

2. Fees and Use Guidelines

Below, please download the Fee Schedule and Facility Use Guidelines sheet which applies to you. If you wish to become a member, we would love to talk to you about joining. Please consult our Become a Member page for more information. However, if you are not a member at the time of booking the church, please download the "Non-Member" option 

Pre-Marital Counseling

We require couples who get married at Our Redeemer's to undergo marital counseling with our pastors. The State of Minnesota requires 12 hours of counseling, including training in communication and conflict resolution, in order for a couple to receive a discount on the cost of their marriage license. Counseling completed with our pastors qualifies for this discount. For other information in planning your wedding and the state requirements, try these helpful websites:
  • US Marriage Laws.com - This website lists information such as where you can find your County Recorder's office, what you need to apply for a license, and how much it costs. Follow this link and select your county (Benson is in Swift County)
  • Minnesota State Marriage Requirements - This is the official marriage statute in the state of Minnesota.

Our Redeemer's Policies for Weddings

  • Please have your wedding license to the church office no later than Wednesday before the wedding.  After completing marriage counseling with the pastors, they will provide you with a letter to present to the county clerk to receive the discount on your license
  • Church policy does not allow smoking inside the building or the use of alcoholic beverages anywhere on the church grounds or in the building.
  • Because of the danger of someone slipping, we ask that no rice, birdseed, or bubbles be used inside the church building.  We also ask that rice not be used outside. Please do not use any decorations which have sparkles or glitter as it is too hard to get out of the carpet.
  • Any function or activity involving children should have a responsible adult in charge.  Activity or function should be restricted to the area rented.  Children are not permitted to play in or ride up and down the elevator.
  • If flower petals are scattered in the aisle, they must be cleaned-up after the service.  Nothing smaller than flower petals may be used, since it is too difficult to get out of the carpet.
  • Nothing is to be loaned from any part of the church without prior approval and a signed statement of use and return.
  • Altar: Flowers are not allowed on the altar (except for a single rose). Always put a protective mat under plants and the unity candle.
  • Kitchen: Please advise the church office whether or not the function will be catered.  You must also provide people to clear and wipe tables in the dining room.  Furnish your own foil, waxpaper, paper towels, coffee, etc.  No dishes or cookware are to leave the kitchen.  The kitchen must be left as it is found.