Your wedding day is one of the most important times in your life. Shepherd of the Valley is pleased to share this happy occasion with you.

Please remember that when our pastor is involved, the wedding is a sacred service of worship, whether conducted in the Sanctuary or elsewhere. Everything done during the service is for the praise and glory of God alone, and must be done with reverence and in good taste. We gather in the presence of God to hear the promises from the Word of God, and to ask God's blessing upon the vows which are made.

The church is the house of God and the worship center for the SOV congregation. Every worship service held there is open to all; no one is turned away. All who enter God's Sanctuary are expected to conduct themselves with reverence at all times. A church wedding is, from the first to the last, a service of worship of the Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All departures from the traditional service are subject to the approval of the SOV pastor.

After you have selected a tentative date and time for your wedding, it is important that you call the pastor for an initial appointment. Please plan no part of your wedding until after you have determined the availability of the church and pastor.

Providing a "one time service" for those who are not under SOV's pastoral care, is not part of the calling for the pastor of SOV. Normally the pastor will not marry those looking to have a "church wedding" or "hoping to have a wedding in a pretty Sanctuary". Of course, there are always exceptions.

Your first appointment with the pastor will not be the last. In this first meeting you will want to discuss general details so that you know what is, and is not, permitted, as well as premarital counseling.