Pastor O'Berg has a complete wedding handbook for you to use as you prepare for your wedding. You may download a copy by clicking the icon.
Our commitment to your relationship At Messiah, we believe that relationships of loving, intentional commitment of one person to another are inherently blessed by God as a part of God's ongoing and life-giving work within creation. We believe that God's blessing is bestowed upon all people who commit to live their lives as a part of God's plan for creation. Pastor O'Berg strongly recommends For more information on the Prepare/Enrich® instrument Simply CLICK on the button This is not a compatibility survey or a marriage test. It is a accurate tool to help couples increase the possibility of a long-happy marriage. A complete wedding planner is available from pastor O' Berg which outlines his policies and recommendations regarding your wedding at Messiah. The Messiah sanctuary as a possible site for your wedding Our sanctuary has provided a wonderful setting for many weddings throughout its 50+ years. Click here to see some photos of the sanctuary The church seats a maximum of 300 persons. We have a spectacular Steiner-Reck Pipe Organ and a sound system that will accommodate a variety of recording and playback requirements. We invite you to work with our pastor in the creation of your wedding, whether or not you choose to hold it in our sanctuary. |
As Lutherans, we believe that the world in all its variety, and each of us in our uniqueness, are created by God to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. Additionally, we believe that God loves all people and invites us into relationships of compassion, forgiveness, affirmation and new life and that we are empowered to support and nurture these relationships. 
that all couples that he weds participate in the "Prepare/Enrich®" Premarital Inventory which helps couples identify areas of their relationship that may need some attention.
Congratulations! -- both on your decision to marry and on your desire to ask God to 
bless your relationship with a ceremony designed to reflect the heart of your commitment to one another. It is our hope that the pastor and staff of Messiah may assist you in creating the wedding which best helps you to celebrate your love and commitment on this wonderful occasion.
We hope that the wedding ceremony you create will enable you 
to celebrate God's inherent blessing and to communicate this to all who gather with you on this festive day.
While "membership" is not a requirement in order to have your wedding at Messiah, we sincerely hope that any couple that chooses to have their wedding in the church would also desire to ask Jesus to be a part of their married life. This includes a commitment to participate in the life of the church and desire to grow in and deepen one's relationship with Jesus.
Messiah offers a wonderful and reverent location for your wedding. While Messiah is open for anyone to celebrate their wedding here, Messiah is not a "wedding chapel." Couples desiring to exchange their vows of marriage at Messiah are asking for the presence of Christ in their wedding and in their relationship.
All weddings celebrated at Messiah Lutheran Church will be officiated by Pastor O'Berg. If the couple has another clergy person that they would like to participate, Pastor O'Berg is completely willing to accommodate the couples' wishes.
The pastor's role
Whether you decide to have your wedding in our sanctuary or at another location, our pastor is available to assist you in creating your ceremony. The pastor will meet with you several times prior to your wedding. These sessions are designed to allow time for the pastor to become acquainted with you and you with him, an opportunity to speak about important issues in your relationship, and the chance to create and plan your wedding together.
The Pastor will make available a variety of resources (traditional and contemporary)
which may be used in the planning of the ceremony. Couples are encouraged to be creative in designing a unique wedding experience: choosing special music, readings, designing a form and order of the ceremony, inviting friends to participate, choosing soloists, deciding on decorations, including familial blessings, and so on.
Some details of our wedding policy
Booking a wedding
Weddings at Messiah are arranged by calling the church office at 650.369.5201 or by sending us e-mail at messiahluth@sbcglobal.net. Please make sure that you contact Joy Larsen, our office manager, first as she keeps the schedule for the use of the sanctuary. There are fees associated with a wedding at Messiah, so be sure to contact the office for the most up-to-date information. The sanctuary is not "reserved" until the required paperwork and deposits are received in our office.
Music for your wedding
If you decide to use the sanctuary organ, the music for your wedding will be planned in consultation with our Musical Staff. Catha Hall is Messiah's Organist and she has the first right of refusal for all weddings at Messiah. Additionally, a variety of types of instruments may be utilized throughout the service. We have a sound system that can also be used during your wedding that will accommodate a variety of different playback settings.
Printed programs
Printed programs are the responsibility of the couple; however, all programs must be submitted to the Pastor for proofreading prior to the final printing.
Photographers
For weddings in the sanctuary, flash photography is not allowed. Additionally, we strongly suggest that couples request their guests to refrain from taking any pictures 
during the ceremony. The constant movement of the guests and the clicking of the cameras detracts significantly from the ceremony and makes for a constant disruption. The pastor will assist you in making this announcement. Additionally, you have probably already paid for a professional photographer to take pictures so there is no real need for anyone else to be taking pictures during the wedding.
The pastor requests that he speak with all professional photographers/videographers prior to the wedding date.
Flowers
Flowers are the responsibility of the couple. Florists must supply their own urns and standards for wedding flowers, and any isle runners if they are used. If the couple desires to use a unity candle, they should make arrangements with the florist of their choice. The pastor has a letter which he will send to the florist that outlines the policies of TLC for the florist
Church access
The church will be accessible two hours before and one hour after the wedding. Messiah is a handicapped accessible facility
Receptions
We have a fellowship hall that is available for sit down receptions. There is a large professional kitchen for your use as well.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed anywhere indoors at Messiah. Guests who smoke in the courtyard are expected to use ash trays.
Consuming Alcohol
The consuming of Alcohol anywhere on the premises is forbidden.
Pastor Mike will not officiate any wedding where any of the wedding participants are intoxicated,
Janitorial service
The church will be cleaned prior to the wedding and the couple is responsible for arranging clean following the ceremony.
Fees and a valid marriage license must be presented to the pastor at the wedding rehearsal or prior to the wedding.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Pastor O'Berg, please call the church office.