WEDDINGS
For a Church Wedding at the East Freetown Congregational-Christian Church
We at the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church are happy to help plan and to officiate at weddings of both members of the church and non-members. All weddings at the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church are conducted by the Pastor.
Pre-Marital Counselling
All persons who are to be married at the East Freetown Congregational Christian ChurcH are expected to engage in a minimum of two sessions of pre-marital counseling.
The sessions usually last 60-90 minutes and are scheduled at the mutual convenience of both the Pastor and the couple.
Reserve Your Date
As soon as you have decided on a wedding date, call or email the pastor (774) 771-1050, dbliss@efccc.net to confirm his availability and of the church. The date is not official until it has been entered both on the Pastor's calendar and the church's calendar.
The Service of Christian MarriageThe service of Christian marriage is provided for a man and a woman who wish to solemnize their marriage in a service of Christian worship. The ceremony, therefore, includes proclamation of the Word as well as prayer and praise. Christian marriage is proclaimed as a sacred covenant reflecting Christ's covenant with the church. Everything about the service is designed to witness that this is a Christian marriage. Both words and actions consistently reflect the belief that husband and wife are equal partners in Christian marriage and that they are entering into the marriage of their own volition. Those present at the wedding ceremony are understood to be an active congregation, not simply passive witnesses. They give their blessings to the couple and the marriage and they join in prayer and praise. The vows exchanged originate in the Scriptures, and are not subject to exclusion or revision. Couples seeking to join in a marriage covenant do so pledging to have, hold, love and cherish one another in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and for better or for worse from the day of the ceremony until parted by death . Holy Communion may or may not be celebrated, according to the desires of the couple.
Rehearsal
The Pastor is responsible for conducting the rehearsal. Once all members of the wedding party have arrived, the rehearsal should take about an hour. All members of the wedding party are expected to be present at the rehearsal. Final payment for services is expected at the rehearsal. The marriage license must be presented atthe rehearsal as well.
Music
Music is provided by our musician, who has the right of first refusal for services performed in the church.
Decorations
We ask that common sense prevail when decorating the church. All florists, decorators, planners, and consultants must work under the direction of the pastor while they are in the church. None of the furnishings in the sanctuary may be removed or replaced nor additions made without the express permission of the Pastor Should the couple wish to preserve decorations, it is their responsibility to make sure the decorations are removed in a timely fashion. All flower petals must be picked up at the conclusion of the ceremony. The throwing of rice is not permitted.
Photos / Videos
No flash photography is permitted, nor will there be pauses for photographs during the ceremony. Photographs may be taken before and after the ceremony (including the processional and recessional marches). Videographers may select a position in the sanctuary to set up their equipment, as long as it does not interfere with the line of sight of the guests or with the ritual.
Fees
Pastor:
Pre-Marital Preparation (required), Service prep and legal filing, Wedding Rehearsal and Ceremony: $275
Musician: $150 (unless negotiated otherwise)
Building Energy Offset: $100