The Requirements

Couples seeking the solemnization of their marriage in BFEC must:

1. Both be baptized believers and worship regularly with BFEC (at least one spouse is a regular member of BFEC at time of application; and both must be baptized before marriage);
2. be committed to attend marriage preparation classes : 6 sessions pre-marital counselling with a church-assigned couple and 2 sessions of follow-up and meeting with the Officiating Minister;
3. commit to join a new or existing cell group for mutual accountability and discipleship.
4. undergo an interview with a marriage counsellor and the officiating minister before the Church can give approval for the wedding;
5. have the intention of becoming members of BFEC if they are not already members;
6. have 2 referees in the event of the couple being new and unknown to the Counsellor and Officiating Minister;
7. submit their wedding application form at least 6 months prior to their wedding date (this is to facilitate booking of the church, the scheduling of the officiating minister, counselling etc.).

The Procedures

1. All church members having reached adolescence are encouraged to attend talks organised from time to time by the Family Ministry, on topics pertaining to marriage. They provide useful information not only for those intending to enter into courtship but also for those seeking to enrich one's relationships with fellow Christians and non-Christians. Topics would include practical issues like how to find a life-partner, warnings about specific pitfalls and temptations prior to marriage, and facts about dating the opposite sex, etc.
2. When a couple having decided, by God's grace to get married, they should then sign up for the marriage preparation course. Application Forms are available at the Church Office. The earlier this is done the better (typically one year in advance). It will give the couple more time to apply the knowledge thus acquired in preparation for the marriage.
3. An application for a church wedding should normally be made six months prior to the intended date of matrimony. Couples may approach an Officiating Minister if they are familiar and comfortable with him and wish him to officiate at their wedding. Otherwise, the Church will assign an Officiating Minister for the wedding while processing the application.
4. Provided you have already completed the marriage preparation course, the Officiating Minister will meet with you and arrange for an interview together with a Marriage Counsellor within a month of your application. All things being found satisfactory, he will then approve the application.
5. It is usual for the counsellor and/or the Officiating Minister to meet with the couple after the wedding for follow–up and to offer any assistance if necessary.
6. The couple, as part of their commitment to God and each other, are to take their membership and participation in a BFEC cell group seriously. 

Important Pointers

1. The Church strongly encourages all members to be familiar with the above requirements and procedures before making detailed plans. Far too often, couples get distracted by urgent but less important issues, like restaurant booking and invitation card printing. Marriage is a very important decision and should not be taken lightly.
2. Couples who have solemnized their marriage at the Registry Of Marriage may not have another wedding ceremony in BFEC as the Church would normally not solemnize a wedding a "second" time. They may, however, apply to have a dedication/thanksgiving service in the Church.
3. Marriage is a life-long commitment and a very important step in the lives of two individuals. Therefore, we take our duty very seriously to help prepare all couples for their life together. But we would ask that you help yourselves by ensuring the following:
   • Be sure of your salvation.
   • Be committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
   • Plan the wedding and notify the Church well in advance.
   • Be committed to follow through all the counselling sessions arranged.