Getting Married at First Congregational Church

The sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves is a beautiful space, ready for many different sacred occasions. You may want to consider having your wedding here. What follows are some basics about getting married at First Church.

IT’S A WORSHIP SERVICE

A wedding ceremony recognizes the committed relationship that exists between two human beings. At First Church, the ceremony is a service of worship, where God is asked to be involved in a special way in the blessing of the committed relationship. When planning your wedding, we try to help you design an event that best reflects who you are and your relationship with each other and with God. We work with you to plan a service that combines music, the written word, the spoken word, and your specific requests.

 

SOME PRELIMINARIES

Set the Date

Please contact the church office with a request to be married at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. You will need to clear the date with the church office and the Pastor. Dates and times are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. They are reserved only after a deposit has been received.

Wedding Coordinator

Soon after your date is reserved, you will be contacted by the Wedding Coordinator of the church, to begin solidifying arrangements about the event itself. Every wedding that takes place at First Church is managed by our Wedding Coordinator.

Pre-Marital Conferences

The Pastor at First Church expects to meet with couples who are to be married in this church. The number of meetings may vary based on the Pastor’s availability and the needs of the couple, but these conferences are mandatory.

Music

The church organist normally plays for weddings in this church.  After your first meeting with the Pastor, you will be asked to meet with the church Music Director.  If you choose not to use the church organ, or wish to have soloists or other musicians perform during your wedding, you will make those arrangements with the church Music Director.

 

ALSO HELPFUL TO KNOW

A Wedding Dressing Room is available for one spouse and attendants. It includes an iron and ironing board, as well as toilet facilities immediately adjoining.  An additional dressing room can be made available for the second spouse, if needed.

Aisle runners are not permitted due to the slippery nature of the sanctuary’s parquet flooring.

The sanctuary can comfortably seat 300 people.

Flash photography is prohibited during the ceremony. With discretion, light-available pictures may be taken.  Photographers may not intrude in the worship space and must obey requests of clergy.  Arrangements can be made to videotape the ceremony using available light, although the church does not provide the equipment.

 

GUEST CLERGY

If you would like another clergy person to be present and participate in your wedding service, you will need to discuss that with our Pastor, who will also work with you to plan your wedding.  Our Pastor will be responsible for the welcome, greeting, prayer, vows and pronouncement.

 

RECEPTION or REHEARSAL DINNER

If you wish to have your reception or rehearsal dinner at First Church, please make arrangements with the Office Manager.  Our kitchen facilities are caterer-ready.

 

COST

Please contact the office for a fee schedule and a complete Wedding Guide.