Planning a Wedding
at
The First Church in Windsor
A Wedding here is A Sacred Event
Historically in our society, weddings have taken place in churches because Christians have believed that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, one which, is appropriately solemnized and celebrated in a place of worship. A Christian marriage ceremony is one in which, God is understood to be present and active, blessing the union of husband and wife. It includes prayers, readings from Scripture, and other elements of the traditions of the Church. It is a service of worship presided over by an ordained minister, with a tone of reverence, spirituality, and joy. Therefore, a wedding, which takes place in a church sanctuary, is different from one which takes place elsewhere. The church is not just a building, which happens to be suitable for the occasion, but a powerful symbol of a spiritual commitment and of religious traditions. The appropriate questions to be asked when a couple wishes to be married in the church have to do not with size, location, convenience, or aesthetic appeal, but with the reality for that couple of the spiritual dimension of the marriage covenant. Generally, it is appropriate that a couple be married in their “home church”; that is, where one or both worship. If neither attends any church, there may be circumstances when it would be appropriate for them to be married at First Church. This is discussed and explored with the minister during an initial meeting.
Reserving the Church
The meetinghouse is available for weddings. When a couple firsts calls the church regarding their wedding plans, a note is made of the tentative date on the church calendar until the couple meets with the minister. Non-member couples will need to send a non-refundable deposit check of $250.00, which will be applied to the building fee. Wedding dates may be booked no farther ahead than one year. There are several dates annually when weddings may not be scheduled, due to the fact that the church facilities are in use for other events. Prospective brides and grooms will be informed about these dates when they call the office and schedule their wedding date with the church secretary.
Planning the Wedding Service
A wedding ceremony is a religious service of worship, and will be crafted as such. During the planning meetings, the minister will discuss with the couple the basic elements of the service and possible modifications. Couples are encouraged to take an active interest in the shaping of their wedding service, thinking carefully about the choice of readings, the wording of their wedding vows, etc. The service typically lasts about thirty minutes. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED to participate in the service.
The Person Who Officiates
Usually, one of the pastors of the church where the wedding is held will officiate at the ceremony. Should they be unavailable on a particular date, he/she will arrange for another pastor. Sometimes, a couple wishes to invite another minister to officiate at their wedding or participate with the host pastor. This is perfectly acceptable, as long as the church's own pastor has first been contacted and is the person to extend the invitation to the guest minister. Any pre-marital counseling sessions normally take place with the person who officiates.
Meeting with the Minister
A couple normally meets with the minister at least two times prior to the wedding. These meetings are for purposes of getting acquainted, discussing the marital relationship, and planning the ceremony itself. On the 2nd meeting with the minister you will be required to pay all remaining fees. A rehearsal is held one or two evenings prior to the wedding, for the purpose of “walking through” the ceremony and finalizing details.
Wedding Programs
Couples may choose to have printed programs for their wedding, including the order of the service and the names of the bridal party and other participants. These may be done by a printer or in the church office for a fee. The minister will work with the couple to prepare a program if used.
Care of the Building
It is expected that members of the wedding party will recognize that fact that the church is the house of God, and will conduct themselves at all times in a manner acceptable to a place of worship. No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are permitted on the church premises at any time. The wedding rehearsal will not be performed if any member of the wedding party is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Smoking is not permitted inside the church. The use of rice, confetti, or birdseed may not be thrown inside or outside the church due to liabilities.
Fees
Note: Non-refundable payment of $250.00 is required to hold the date: This payment will be applied to the building fee.
| | MEMBERS | NON-MEMBERS |
| Minister | $150 (Suggested) | $200 * |
| Organist | $250 | $250 |
| Soloist | $50 | $75 |
| Building (Meetinghouse only) | $0 | $500 |
| Reception | $50-$100 | $100-$200 |
| Wedding Program | $25 (Optional) | $50 |
Please note: Additional $50-$75 fee applicable if organist is required to practice with soloist.
Most brides have specific ideas about every detail of their wedding. If you are considering a wedding at The First Church in Windsor, you should familiarize yourself with our guidelines for sanctuary use.
Other Things to Remember
The church telephone number is 860.688.7229. Church office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from June 12 - August 21, our summer office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- The churches email address first.church.windsor@snet.net.
- You must secure your marriage license in Connecticut at the Town of Windsor Hall within a 65-day period of the wedding. For questions call the town clerk. 860.285.1900.
- Please bring the license to the wedding rehearsal or to the church office sometime before the wedding.