Here at FPC, we understand a wedding to be a service of worship in the context of which two persons enter into the covenant of marriage. We do not hold marriage as a sacrament, but we understand marriage as a covenantal promise made in community before God and witnesses. During the service, 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 and covenantal relationships are often recalled as part of the service. It is also traditional, but not required, for one or more passages of Holy Scripture to be read and prayer to be offered for the couple and their community.
FPC welcomes all couples who wish to celebrate their covenantal relationship together and in community and is proud to provide a space for same-gender weddings.
At First Presbyterian Church, all weddings are Christian in their theological orientation, and therefore, at least one member of the couple should 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.
Traditionally, FPC only conducts weddings for members of the congregation in which at least one member of the couple is a member of First Presbyterian Church. It also may be the case that an immediate family member (child, grandchild, parent, or sibling) is a church member and a wedding may be requested. This is at the discretion of the pastors and the church Session.
Those who are not members of FPC may request to be married under the following circumstances:
If you are currently not a member and would like information about joining the church, please call for date of upcoming Inquirers’ Classes
If either of the couple 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.
If either of the couple 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.
After contacting the church office, you will be given a copy of the 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. Additional pre-marital appointments with a pastor are required at the discretion of the pastor and the couple and will be scheduled between the couple and the pastor.
Pastors may require the couple to undergo pre-marital counseling.
Weddings are traditionally held in either the sanctuary or the chapel. The former seats approximately 500 persons, the latter 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 at least six months prior to the date of the service.
A wedding rehearsal is traditionally 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. This is scheduled in conjunction with the church office and the pastor.
Music plays an important and essential role in the wedding service 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 discussed with the minister of music and the pastor, and a Bench Fee may be applicable in such situations. The couple should plan to meet with the minister of music in order to discuss music appropriate to the service. The minister of music and pastor reserve final say as to what music is appropriate. The bells in the bell tower 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.
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 couple’s name. Petals, rice, birdseed, and confetti are not permitted to be thrown in the building or on church property, although bubbles are a wonderful way to celebrate outside of the church building!
Since a wedding is a service of worship, we ask that no photos be taken, either by guests, 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 unless agreed upon with the pastor in advance. An instruction sheet for the photographer and videographer will be provided to the couple that should be signed and returned prior to the wedding.
Contact: Ann Hart, Wedding Hostess
Telephone: (203) 324.9522
Fax: (203) 348.5229
Email: info@fishchurch.org