Welcome to this stage of the most important decision you have made in your lifetime!

Whether this is a first or second marriage for you, whether or not you are a member of Covenant Lutheran Church, we want to be as helpful as possible in assisting you through the process of preparing for your life together.

The following explains the process of premarital preparation at Covenant. Your wedding service might last 30 minutes, your marriage will last much longer. We want to keep that ratio in mind as we work together.

Set the Date

The process begins by contacting the Covenant office at 281-578-8799 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Wedding dates must be set in consultation with one of our pastors and the church office. We normally allow one wedding per day on a "first come" basis. We will encourage you to contact Laura Williams, our wedding coordinator, as soon as possible. Your premarital work can begin as soon as six months before your wedding date.

The First Visit

The initial pre-marital conversation is scheduled for the late afternoons. Since the first visit normally lasts two hours, appointments are set for 4:00. The first visit is a time for introductions, reviewing the Covenant wedding policy, handling other questions, and the completion of the Prepare premarital inventory.

The Prepare inventory is a tool that has been used for over 20 years to help guide premarital conversations. It draws from the common experiences of thousands of couples and helps identify strength/growth areas in 12 important aspects of married life. The use of this tool is required.

Visits Two, Three and Four

Two weeks after the initial meeting, couples normally meet weekly with the pastor for a total of four visits. These visits are geared toward the individual needs of each couple. Time is spent focusing on the strengths and growth areas you share as a couple. Along with conversation, your work might involve various kinds of outside homework, again, geared toward your own needs and agenda. These sessions normally last an hour.

The Final Visit

The last conversation is an opportunity to review and summarize what you have learned and experienced over the previous visits. Wedding arrangements are finalized. You will continue your preparations with Laura, our wedding coordinator, until the big day. We're ready for the wedding!

Faith for Today

All persons who are planning to be married are encouraged to begin or continue a practice of regular worship attendance. All couples will be invited to participate in the "Faith for Today" program, our adult enquirer's workshops. You can find Information and schedules for Faith for Today by calling the church office or by checking the monthly news and calendar

We believe that the best help for marriages is a steady diet of God's gracious love and forgiveness. Couples attending the "Faith for Today" workshop together will begin to see how God's promises and presence become the basis on which to build their life. There is no obligation to join the congregation upon the completion of the workshop.

Any other questions? Please call the church office at (281)578-8799. We'll be glad to help!

We look forward to working with you as we join in building strong relationships in the love and grace of God.

Wedding Fee Schedule – (1-1-08)

Price List for Active Members

Price List for Active Members

1. Organist - $125 to Joanna Thornton
2. $40 for premarital inventory to be paid at the first premarital session.
3. $125 to Laura Williams, our custodian and wedding coordinator.
4. An honorarium may be given to Pastor Kerry Nelson or Pastor Brad Otto

Price List for Guests (Membership status at initial inquiry.)

1. Room Rental fees
   1. $500 to Covenant Lutheran for the sanctuary with a rehearsal.
   2. $350 to Covenant Lutheran for the sanctuary without a rehearsal.
   3. $100 to Covenant Lutheran for a small wedding (>15 guests)
   4. $150 to Covenant Lutheran for the use of the Fellowship Room.
2. Organist - $125 to Joanna Thornton
3. $40 for premarital inventory to be paid at the first premarital session.
4. $125 to Laura Williams, our custodian and wedding coordinator.
5. $150 honorarium to Pastor Kerry Nelson or Pastor Brad Otto
6. $100 for Pastor Kerry Nelson or Pastor Brad Otto for premarital counseling if another pastor will perform the ceremony at Covenant or out of town.

Alcohol Policy – All alcohol except champagne for the bridal toast is prohibited from the grounds of Covenant during weddings and/or receptions.