Christian marriage is a lifelong relationship of trust and love based upon the grace of Jesus Christ.

The service is a sacramental event, an act of public worship, during which the couple unconditionally pledges their lives to one another in the presence of God, the pastor and the witnessing congregation.

A Service of Christian Marriage is usually held in the Church, although in special circumstances it may be held in a location mutually acceptable to the couple and the pastor.

If the couple comes from different faith backgrounds, it may be possible to have clergy present from both Christian traditions. This should be discussed with the pastor before contacting other clergy.

Application For a Wedding at the Church . . .

An appointment should be made with the pastor six months in advance of the intended wedding date. At this first pre-marital conference with the couple, the pastor will make his decision on the application and date.

There are usually three such conferences between the couple and the pastor before the wedding. The purpose of these conferences is to receive information about the couple's background, to discuss the Christian understanding of marriage, and to plan the details of the wedding rite.

The License . . .

The license must be applied for at the Greenwich Town Hall. A Greenwich license is required even if the couple lives in another city. The license can be picked up five (5) days later, and is then good for sixty (60) days. The license must be given to the pastor before the ceremony.

The Music . . .

All decisions on the music, instrumentalists, soloists, etc. must be made in consultation with the church organist, Bruce Kimball. This music professional will help the couple make selections which are appropriate for an act of public worship. Music of a secular or popular nature is more appropriately saved for the reception.

If an organist other than the church's is desired, such a request must be approved in advance by the pastor.

If the couple wishes to have a soloist, the pastor and the organist must be consulted in advance.

The Rehearsal . . .

If a rehearsal is requested, all members of the wedding party should be promptly present. Rehearsals are usually scheduled on the evening preceding the wedding, and should last less than one hour. There is an extra charge for this.

Please bring to the rehearsal the license, along with all fees and honoraria.

The Decorations . . .

The florist should have the flowers at the church an hour before the wedding. No metal fasteners, staples, nails, or scotch tape are to be used. Please affix bows to family pews with masking tape or rubber bands only.

The altar flowers may be left for use at other services of the church or for delivery to shut-ins and/or those in hospitals. Please let the pastor know if this is desired.

An aisle runner can be secured from the florist. The center aisle of the Sanctuary is approximately 50-75' long.

Any special candles (those other than the altar candles) must be provided by the couple and put in place prior to the wedding, again in consultation with the pastor ahead of time.

Photographs . . .

No flash photography is permitted during the wedding ceremony! Please advise relatives, friends, and professional photographers that flash pictures may be taken only during the processional and recessional. The wedding photographer may stand at the end of a pew, but may not walk to, or stand at, the head of the aisle during the procession.

After the ceremony has been completed, the wedding party may be reassembled for as many pictures as are desired. Photographers will be expected to meet with the pastor immediately prior to the ceremony and should be so informed of these conditions.

For more information . . .

For more information, please call the church office at (203) 629-9584. Thank you.