PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

ongratulations on your engagement! We celebrate this exciting time in your lives, and your choice to have your marriage blessed in the Christian Church. We at the First Congregational Church of Rockport look forward to working with you to help your wedding service invoke and celebrate God's presence in your marriage.

Christian marriage celebrates a freely chosen, unconditional, lifelong, exclusive relationship with one's spouse. The religious aspect of a marriage service is centered on the exchange of vows by the man and woman, during which God and the couple are joined together as partners in a Holy Covenant. In a Christian marriage, God is fully present in the wedding and in the marriage.

1. Minister

Services of Worship at First Congregational Church are performed by the Minister. Occasionally a couple may wish to have another clergy person assist with the wedding ceremony. This is at the discretion and invitation of the Minister of First Congregational Church of Rockport. This is a house of worship, therefore no weddings will be performed by a Justice of the Peace. As an ordained Minister of the Gospel, our Pastor does not perform secular ceremonies, either within or outside of the Church.

2. Pre-marital Counseling

Because Christian marriage is a sacred and lifelong covenant, preparation is vital. Couples will meet with the Pastor or a qualified therapist at least 3 times prior to their wedding for pre-marital counseling. During these sessions, hopes and dreams, finances, communication styles, and other important issues are discussed. It is rare, but our minister does reserve the right not to marry any couple that he or she believes is unprepared to undertake such a serious commitment.

3. State Law

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that a couple obtain their wedding license from the clerk of the town where they live, within the Commonwealth. If both parties are from out of state, the license is granted by the clerk of the town where the marriage is solemnized. Please contact the clerk of your town as soon as possible to secure the proper information and avoid complications, if possible at least 30 days prior to the planned wedding. The Pastor must receive the license at (or prior to) the rehearsal, or the wedding legally cannot take place. It is illegal for the Pastor to pretend to marry people!

4. Dates

It is important to clear dates for your rehearsal, wedding and receptions with the Pastor before your invitations are printed, to prevent a conflict of dates before your plans progress too far. A $150.00 deposit will hold a specific date for your service.

5. Rehearsals

Rehearsals are optional, and usually held a day or two before the wedding. The Bride, Groom and Minister (not wedding planners, parents or photographers!) are in charge of decisions regarding the choreography of the service. Normally the organist will not be present. Please bring only members of the wedding party and immediate family to the rehearsal as the presence of others makes the rehearsal more difficult. If children are participating in the wedding, it is especially important that the adults remain calm!

6. Music

The Director of Music is responsible for all music in the church and will help you arrange for solos or additional music.

7. The Wedding Ceremony

A simple wedding service normally lasts about 20 minutes. Readings, soloists, the use of a wedding candle, and hymns and Holy Communion can also be included. The Minister will help you plan the order of worship.

The groom, best man, and the ushers should arrive at the church at least one half hour before the service. The ushers' duties include seating quests and rolling out the aisle runner (if used), and lighting the main candles on the altar. The groom and best man may make themselves comfortable as in the pastor's study.

Facilities are also available for the women in the wedding party to dress at the church if they wish.

8. Parking

You may want to contact the Rockport Police at 978.546.3444 to inquire about reserving parking and/or a Detail Officer near the church. You may also inquire at the Rockport Chamber of Commerce about Shuttle Service. No parking space is available on the church grounds.

9. Photography

Photographs may be taken only during the processional and recessional. No photographs may be taken, either by a professional photographer or guests once your wedding has begun, because it is distracting and interrupts the flow of worship. A stationary video may be used throughout the service. You may pose as many photos as you like before or after the service.

10. Flowers, etc.

After your wedding, you may leave any flowers for church use or distribution to the sick. Please let the church secretary know what time the florist will make a delivery.

If you are using a Unity Candle, you will need a candle 3-5 inches at the base, and two small side candles and holders to light the main candle.

11. Alcohol

No alcohol may be brought on the premises at any time. Because you are entering into a legally binding covenant, no alcohol may be consumed by the bride or groom prior to the wedding. Under no circumstances will the Minister join in holy covenant people whom he/she believes are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs! Please, advise all members of your wedding party about this policy.

12. Confetti, etc.

Rice and confetti are not permitted in the church or on the grounds because they are difficult to clean up. Bird seed or bubbles are great alternatives. Flower petals may not be dropped inside the church.

13. Costs

Minister - The minister's salary is paid by regular financial contributions of church members. There is no charge to those who pledge to the church. The fee for all others is $300.00. If this presents a stumbling block, please speak to the pastor about it.

Organist - The fee for the organist (which includes planning, as well as service) is $150.00, payable when you meet to plan the music. If an additional rehearsal with a wedding soloist/instrumentalist is required, an additional $75.00 is charged.

Church - Upkeep on the church building is afforded through the regular financial contributions of church members. There is no charge to those who pledge to the church. The fee for people who are not members is $150.00 payable to The First Congregational Church at the time you confirm your wedding date.

Reception - The facilities of First Congregational Church are available for receptions, including a dining hall and kitchen. Use of the facility should be arranged through Women's Fellowship. No alcohol or smoking is permitted in the church. There is no charge for church members. The fee for others varies according to the amount and type of space required.

If you have any other questions, whether about your wedding, your marriage or anything else, please call. We welcome you and thank you for including us in this important time in your life.