Weddings
The pastors and staff at FPCG consider it a privilege to assist you in having your wedding service here. In addition to assuring that the service is a beautiful beginning to a vital and successful marriage, the pastoral staff will continue to be available to you for consultation and support as your life as a newly married couple begins.
The service proclaims that marriage is a gift created by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. It presumes that you both share the belief that marriage is a life-long covenant of mutual love, faithfulness and service. It also presumes you want your wedding to take place in the church as an expression of your own faith and desire to have God as an ongoing partner in your marriage.
The Service of Marriage of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the official service used for weddings at FPCG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must we be members of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich (FPCG) to be married here?
No. We only require that at least one member of the couple be a professing Christian.
One of us is Christian and the other comes from another faith tradition. May we be married at FPCG?
Interfaith marriages require special care and counsel. If a couple is considering such a marriage, they should seek the counsel of their religious leaders long before attempting to plan a marriage service. If the pastors at FPCG are confident that in marriage the couple can continue to live and express their faiths while fulfilling the expectations of Christian marriage, they will be glad to officiate at the service. Aspects of other faith traditions that are in keeping with Christian worship may be included in the wedding service.
Does the church permit divorced persons to marry?
Yes. The gospel is not about punishing people for their pasts, but about inviting them to new life. However, before the church will marry a divorced person, it is essential that an honest assessment of the former marriage be taken. Our pastors are trained to assist with such discussions and will lead the couple through this conversation in pre-marriage preparation, discussing factors that caused the failure of the previous marriage.
Who can serve as officiating pastor?
Each wedding at FPCG will be officiated by a member of our pastoral staff. You may request a specific FPCG pastor, or a pastor will be appointed on the basis of his or her availability. Non-FPCG pastors may participate in the service upon invitation by our officiating pastor.
Is pre-marriage preparation required?
Yes. Our pastors require at least three to four sessions of pre-marriage counseling to help couples explore the spiritual and relational foundations of their union.
What are the fees for a wedding at FPCG?
There are established fees for the use of the sanctuary, the services of the pastor, the organist, and our wedding coordinator. Please contact the church office for a current schedule of fees.
Can we choose our own music?
Music for the wedding service should be appropriate for Christian worship. Our Director of Music will consult with you to select sacred music that honors the gravity and joy of the occasion.
Sacred Foundations
Fees
Ceremony
The ceremony fee covers the use of the Sanctuary for the wedding rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. It also includes the services of the FPCG officiating pastor, the organist/Director of Music for counseling and performance, and the church wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and the wedding.
Fees Payable to FPCG
Payable via check to First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich at least two weeks before the ceremony.
Fees Payable Directly to Staff
Honorarium for pre-marital counseling and ceremony
Music consultation and performance during ceremony
On-site coordination for rehearsal and wedding
Sanctuary preparation and cleanup
Reception (Optional)
The church has several spaces available for wedding receptions, ranging from intimate gardens to our larger hall. Please request the Fellowship Hall use policies and fee schedule if you wish to host your reception on-site after your ceremony.