Weddings at the First Congregational Church

We are delighted that you are considering having your wedding here at the First Congregational Church of Kittery at Kittery Point, United Church of Christ!  We are happy to provide this service to couples -- no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey -- who seek to be married in our beautiful sanctuary, across from the picturesque Piscataqua River.

It is best to contact the church early to reserve your date.  You may do so by calling Rev. Jeff Gallagher or the church's Office Administrator, Lisa Harris at 207-439-0650.  You may also email the church at ucckp@comcast.net or Rev. Jeff at revjmg@comcast.net.

In the meantime, please peruse the wedding information listed below, as that may answer many of your questions.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Policy of the Diaconate on Marriage Services

We are pleased you are considering the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, and its ministry for your marriage ceremony, and we encourage you to attend our 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship services to help you become better acquainted with us.

Marriages are very special services for the couple, for their families, and for their friends.  Thus, the church is concerned with making sure that this special worship service which you are considering will be a significant moment in your lives as well as an appropriate service of worship for this church.

In the Protestant tradition, marriage is not a sacrament of the church.  We do believe, however, that marriage is "sacramental."  A couple sees the love that brings them together as an act of God, to which they respond by seeking to have their marriage become a witness for this love.  We seek such a "sacramental" quality for every marriage that takes place within our church.  And, as a member church of the United Church of Christ, we support our denomination's stance in opening our doors so that all couples may be married in our church.

As you begin this new journey, know that our thoughts and prayers go with you.  If there is any way we may be of assistance to you as deacons of this church, do not hesitate in contacting us.  We hope the information in this policy will be helpful to you.

WHAT WE OFFER AND EXPECT

In general, the Church offers it facilities, its staff, and its ministry to those who are contemplating marriage.  It should be understood that all marriage services must be Christian services of worship and must fall within the bounds of custom, taste, and tradition as understood within the life of this church.

THE MINISTER

Customarily, the minister of the First Congregational Church will officiate at marriage services within the church.  However, guest clergy are welcome to share in the service, at the invitation of the minister.  If you do wish to have another ordained minister co-officiate, you should speak to the pastor at your first meeting, so there will be no misunderstanding.

PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING

The couple shall meet with the minister three times, with the first session to be scheduled by the couple soon after your application has been sent.  These sessions will provide information that will be helpful for properly preparing for Christian marriage.

FEES

$300-- Church building
$250 -- Minister
$75 -- Sexton

Musicians' fees are separate

MUSIC

Music used with the ceremony should be in keeping with the sacredness and the dignity of the wedding service.  You must make your own arrangements for the music you wish to have with the musician(s) involved.  The regular organist of First Congregational Church has the right of first refusal.  She is Audrey Adams, and her phone number is 603-692-5269.

CHILDREN

Children are welcome to attend any service held in the church.  It is, however, our policy that children be at least four years old before they participate in a wedding service.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Some restrictions have been placed on taking photos.  No flash pictures may be taken during the ceremony by guests or the professional photographer.  The photographer may take flash pictures during the processional and the recessional only.  Still pictures and a video tape of the marriage service may be taken from the balcony without flash or extra lighting.

It is the responsibility of the couple being married to remind the professional photographer of the policy of the Church.  It has been found that if the wedding party is willing to return to the sanctuary following the service, excellent posed pictures may be taken under the close direction and supervision of the photographer.  This is also an opportune time for guests to take pictures.  Please do not stand on the pews to take pictures.

The ushers will be instructed at the rehearsal to inform guests who arrive with cameras of the Church's policy.

PEW AND/OR WINDOW DECORATIONS AND FLOWERS

Please use ribbon ties, or plastic-covered wires, or plastic clips, or pipe cleaners, no tape of any kind, to attach ribbons or flowers to pew ends or other locations. No nails or screws of any kind may be used.  Please instruct your florist accordingly. 

Real flowers may not be strewn in the church.  (The carpets are new.)

Flowers may be left in the church for the next worship service if you wish.  Such a plan provides flowers for both occasions and is an appropriate way to share and extend the joy and appreciation of your wedding day. Or you can take the flowers to the reception site.  If you would like to leave your flowers, please let the minister know at your earliest convenience.

RICE, CONFETTI AND OTHER CELEBRATION MATERIALS

These are considered appropriate at the place of the wedding reception.  However, birdseed may be thrown, and bubbles may be blown outside the church.

INTOXICANTS

Alcoholic beverages of any kind are prohibited on the church premises.  This includes limousines and the church parking lot.  Please also note: it is expected that the members of the wedding party will refrain from the use of intoxicants of all forms preceding both the wedding and the rehearsal.  The minister will refuse to conduct a ceremony when it is in any way apparent that either party has been drinking, no matter how small an amount may be reported to have been consumed.

Smoking is not permitted in the church buildings.

ANIMALS (Don't laugh.)

If your beloved pet must be a part of your wedding, please choose a venue other than a church.

LIMOUSINES

Cars or limousines are not to be driven or parked on the lawn.  The only exception is an ambulance in service.

THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

Because of schedules and the number of people involved, it is very important that the rehearsal and the marriage service be held at their appointed hour.  The minister will review the service very carefully at the rehearsal and arrange a schedule for arrival times for the actual service.  It is very important that all members of the wedding party, including the ushers and the parents, be at the rehearsal, and on time.  It is inappropriate to make any changes in the wedding service at this time.

Please bring with you the marriage license and any special items to be used.  Fees are due and payable at this time in separate envelopes, one for the church, one for the minister, one for the sexton and one for the organist and any other musicians.  Allow one full hour for the rehearsal if you plan for any party or reception that may follow it.

RECEPTIONS

The Parish House is available for use for the reception following the wedding ceremony.  Arrangements for its use for receptions should be made through the minister well in advance of the wedding date.  Music should be kept at a reasonable level.  No alcohol will be allowed.  Rental fees are available through the administrator, Sara Rhoades.

EXCEPTIONS

During the months of October and November our church conducts its stewardship campaign.  Often there are decorations in the church for this event.  At Christmas time, the sanctuary is filled with Advent and Christmas decorations as well.  Any concerns regarding these decorations should be directed to the minister.

Only the minister in conjunction with the Diaconate can authorize exceptions to established wedding policy.  Requests for such exceptions must be made to the Church in writing at least thirty days before the scheduled service.

All the details that have been dealt with above constitute but a minor portion of what the celebration of a marriage is all about.  This is the best reason to get them all out of the way in this manner.  Now we can turn our attention to what is of utmost importance, as we consider together "what is right in the sight of God."