First Presbyterian Church

Weddings

Christian Marriage & Weddings

God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between two people. In marriage two people give themselves to each other with affection and tenderness. God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, and for the ordering of family life. God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which two people are joined together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the church. In marriage, two people are called to a new way of life, created, ordered, and blessed by God. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by two people to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly and prayerfully.

The Christian Wedding

A wedding is a service of worship in the context of which two persons enter into the covenant of marriage. Praise is offered to God for the gifts of life and love, and God is asked to strengthen and bless the marriage being celebrated. The teachings of Jesus about marriage are recalled as part of the service. One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read. Prayer is always offered. At First Presbyterian Church, all weddings are Christian in their theological orientation, and therefore at least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian. A pastor of FPC will preside at all weddings held at First Presbyterian. In consultation with the pastor, non-FPC clergy may be invited to preside.

Member Weddings

As a rule, we only conduct member weddings. A member wedding is defined as one in which at least one member of the couple is a member of First Presbyterian Church or an immediate family member (child, grandchild, parent, or sibling) of a church member.

Christians who are not members of FPC may request to be married under the following circumstances:

  1. One or both members of the couple have been regularly involved at First Presbyterian Church for a minimum of six months.
  2. And, if they plan to make their home in the Stamford area, one or both members of the couple must commit themselves to unite with First Presbyterian Church as active members.

If you are currently not a member and would like information about joining the church, please call for date of upcoming Inquirers’ Classes. They are held several times a year.

Non-Presbyterian Christian Partners

If either the bride or groom is a member of a different Christian denomination, appropriate elements drawn from that tradition may be introduced into the service. Ministers or priests from the denomination of the non-Presbyterian partner may also be invited to participate in the leadership of the service.

Non-Christian Partners

If either the bride or groom is a member of another, non-Christian religious tradition, appropriate elements from that tradition may be introduced into the Christian wedding service. Clergy from the tradition of the non-Christian partner may also be invited to participate in the leadership of the service.

Wedding Planning and Counseling

After contacting the church office you will be given a copy Marriage Application Form. The completed form, along with a non-refundable deposit, should be returned as soon as possible, so that an appointment with the pastor can be arranged. Following that appointment, if the way is clear, the wedding will be scheduled on the church calendar. No wedding can be scheduled prior to this appointment. Addional pre-marital appoint­ments with a pastor are requred and will be scheduled between the couple an the pastor.

All couples are required to participate in a marriage pre-marital counseling.

Time and Place of Weddings

Weddings are normally held in either the sanctuary or the chapel. The former seats approximately 500 persons, the later approximately 75 with additional chairs. Weddings, though usually scheduled for Fridays or Saturdays, may be held on any day except Sunday and major Christian or civil holidays. It is recommended that weddings be scheduled well in advance of the date of the service.

The Rehearsal

A wedding rehearsal is normally scheduled for the afternoon or evening prior to the wedding. All members of the wedding party, plus readers or other special participants, if any, should attend. All must arrive promptly, as it is difficult to conduct the rehearsal if all are not present. The parents of the couple should attend if it is convenient.

Music

Music plays an important and essential role in the service of marriage by providing an atmosphere that is both festive and worshipful. The minister of music, if available, will play for all weddings. Exceptions to this must be cleared by him and the pastor, and a Bench Fee will be applicable in such situations. The bride and groom must plan to meet with the minister of music in order to discuss music ap­propriate to a Christian wedding. The church reserves final say as to what music is appropriate. The bells can be pealed following the ceremony, or with prior arrangement with our Carillonneur, special music can be played. Please speak to the wedding coordinator if interested.

Decorations

Ordinarily, a single floral arrangement is all that is needed for sanctuary decoration. Contact your own florist, and ask that flowers be delivered one hour before the wedding, clearly marked with the bride’s name. Petals, rice, birdseed, bubbles and confetti are not permitted to be thrown in the building or on church property.

Photography and Videography

Because a wedding is a service of worship, it is inappropriate for photos to be taken, either by guests or professional photographers or videographers, during the wedding ceremony, with the exception of non-flash photography or videography from the rear of the sanctuary or balcony. Photographers and videographers are not permitted to come down the aisle during the wedding processional or wedding ceremony. An instruction sheet for the photographer and videographer will be given to each couple. It must be signed and returned prior to the wedding.

Arrange Wedding Ceremony

Contact: Ann Hart, Wedding Hostess
Telephone: (203) 324.9522
Fax: (203) 348.5229
Email: Weddings@fishchurch.org