Together We're Better

THE Collective wedding

Some of us have been under the impression that handling things our way would be better than handling it God's way, and that includes marriage!  Some live "married" without actually getting married, asking God to produce His promises regarding marriage and accomplish His Will in our house, but we're refusing to live God's way. Well, let us help get rid of the excuse that you "can't afford to get married!"

We're holding a collective wedding* at 10:30am Sunday, November 24 (*multiple couples getting married at the same time, each having their own, special moment.)  You and your soon-to-be spouse need to register, get your marriage license (see below), and figure out what you're going to wear and we'll take care of the rest!

We can't wait to celebrate!!

How to get married at The Garden on November 24

Couples participating in this collective wedding:

  1. Must complete the online Wedding Ceremony Registration no later than Sunday, November 17
  2. Have your Marriage License in hand no later than Thursday, November 21 (see "Marriage Applications" below)
  3. Agree with What We Believe  
  4. Must be active participants in life at The Garden

WHAT WE PROVIDE

  • Your wedding will take place at 10:30am Sunday, November 24, in The Garden’s sanctuary as our second service that day.
  • Simple, yet elegant, décor will be provided.
  • A simple Bridal bouquet, Groom's boutonniere, and cake to cut at the reception can be supplied if you choose.
  • Pastor Thom Fields will perform the ceremony, using a message of his choosing.
  • A reception, with cake cutting, will be provided following the service.
  • You’ll receive a digital photo album and video link of your special day.

Our hope is to make each couple feel celebrated as they become one in holy matrimony!  Some service-specific details will be determined once we've finalized the number of couples getting married. This will definitely be a day to remember!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Submit your Wedding Ceremony Registration online form no later than Sunday, November 17
  • Get your marriage license*
  • Give your marriage license packet to us*
  • Invite friends and family to your wedding!
  • Check-in with our Coordinators at the church, no later than 10am Sunday, November 24.
                         *See "Marriage License Details" below

Questions? Space is limited. Be one of the happy couples and register soon!

MARRIAGE LICENSE DETAILS

Marriage Applications
Go to bentoncountywa.gov to view the requirements, process, and to apply online. There is a $72 non-refundable fee to complete the application process. You’ll go into the Benton County Auditor’s Office to pay and complete the process whether you apply in-person or start it online.

The license is created in their office once payment is received and you will walk out with your license packet. The license is valid anywhere in Washington State for 60-days after issuance.
 
Waiting Period

Application must be made a minimum of 3 days prior to marriage as there is a 3-day waiting period and no exceptions can be made. The 3-day waiting period doesn't begin until fees are paid and license is created.

For our November 24 Ceremony:
  • Thursday, September 26, is the earliest you’d want to submit payment and your completed application.
  • Thursday, November 21, is the latest you can submit payment and your completed application

Witnesses
State law requires that at least two witnesses be present at the ceremony. Witnesses should be at least 12 years of age and cannot be the bride, groom, or Officiant. If you don’t have any two people in mind, we’ll help with that!

Marriage License Presentation & Filing
Your Benton County marriage license packet will have a detailed, longform license and a ceremonial certificate, both to be signed by the Bride, Groom, Witnesses, and the Officiant (Pastor).

The entire license packet must be submitted to the church office no later than 9am Sunday, November 24.  Between Thursday, September 26, and November 21, packets may be turned in during office hours or handed to Lynae Carter before or after a service. No license? No wedding.

Regardless of when you hand in your marriage license packet, couples must submit their Wedding Ceremony Registration online form no later than Sunday, November 17.

After the service, you and your spouse will join Pastor to sign the marriage license and certificate. You’ll take the ceremonial certificate with you at that time. The church office will retain the detailed license and will return it to the Benton County Auditors office. We will scan and email your uncertified license to you for your reference.

The online Wedding Ceremony Registration form has additional details regarding the ceremony and reception. Someone from The Garden will reach out soon after registrations are received.  Have additional questions? Contact our office at 509-735-1650, reach out to Lynae Carter, or stop by our Info Center on Sundays and we'll get an answer for you!