First Congregational Church United Church of Christ
Wellfleet, Massachusetts


WEDDING SERVICES AT THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Planning for a Wedding: Information for Use of Church Facilities

Wedding Information Form to send to the Church
Wedding Fees
Music for Wedding Services

Planning for A Wedding: Information and Policy for Use of Church Facilities
The First Congregational of Wellfleet is pleased to make its facilities available for weddings, both to its own members and to people of the community. The following rules have been adopted by the Trustees of the Church to guide in arranging weddings:

  • A Minister of the Church shall officiate at all weddings.
  • Arrangements for weddings are to be made through the Pastor. Those who wish to be married in the Church should consult with him well in advance of the date set for the wedding. No commitment for the wedding or the date will be made until the couple has had an interview with the pastor, which should be arranged shortly after initial contact. You may reach him at the church office or at home to make an appointment.
  • It is expected that time for discussions with the Pastor about marriage shall be planned by all couples (one session for making arrangements and one session for counseling). Determination of readiness for marriage is the Pastor’s responsibility. Exceptional cases will be handled at the Pastor’s discretion. In case either of the persons wishing to be married has been divorced, satisfactory evidence must be shared with the Pastor to indicate that the ceremony can be performed under Christian auspices.
  • The wedding service is the responsibility of the Pastor. However, possible additions or changes may be discussed with him and, where appropriate, may be included at his discretion.
  • The wedding license is to be placed in the hands of the Pastor no later than at the time of the rehearsal.
  • Music can be provided and pre-arranged by the Music Director of the church, if desired. Certain standards for religious music are held by the Church. The Pastor and Music Director should be consulted as to the appropriateness of the music selected by the couple. Due to the historic nature of our organ, a request for another “qualified” organist must be approved by our Music Director. Fee arrangements should be made separately through the musician(s) you select.
  • It is the couple’s responsibility to secure their own soloist, if one is desired. The soloist must contact the Music Director well in advance of the rehearsal, and approval of selections must be made by her. An honorarium or gift for the soloist is the responsibility of the couple and is given directly to the soloist.
  • Decorations, bridal runner, etc. are to be provided through a florist selected, by the family. It is suggested that decorations be simple, and the flowers be real rather than artificial. The Communion Table is not to be altered. Care should be taken to avoid damage by nails, wires and candles. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to see that all decorations are removed following the wedding so that the Custodian may clean for the next service.
  • Flash photographs are not to be taken in the Sanctuary during the actual ceremony, so that nothing may detract from the religious nature of the service. The ceremony is deemed to have begun when the wedding party has assembled at the front, and to have concluded with the Benediction. Flash pictures during the processional or recessional are permitted.
  • Throwing rice is discouraged, as it is harmful to birds.
  • Receptions may be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Church, with the family making pre-arrangements for catering and set-up.
  • NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES may be served, and NO SMOKING is allowed anywhere inside the building.
  • Fees are payable in advance at least ten (10) days prior to the wedding date, with a refundable deposit of $100.00 to hold the date when confirmed by the office.
  • There is no rental charge for the use of the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall by Members of the Church or current contributors of record. However, a gift to the Church to cover extra cost would be appreciated.

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