planning your wedding

A Christian marriage ceremony is a service of worship offered to God. The essence of marriage is a covenanted commitment that has its foundation in the faithfulness of God’s love. The marriage ceremony is the glad occasion on which two people unite as one in the mutual exchange of covenant promises. The minister acts as an official representative of the church and gives the marriage the church’s blessing. The congregation joins in affirming the marriage and in offering support and thanksgiving for the new family. Family and friends of the couple may be invited to share the leadership of the service by reading scriptures or by offering prayers or in other ways. To prospective couples who entertain such a regard for marriage, Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ offers a joyful, beautiful, meaningful and sacred ceremony as can be planned and conducted. To you who desire to celebrate your marriage in our church, we propose the following procedure:


reservations

We invite couples to come to Sunday Worship and approach the minister during Coffee & Conversation with your wedding date request. Your reservation is not confirmed until the conclusion of your first meeting with a pastor. Do not assume that the date is reserved even if you have been told the date is open on the church calendar. One of the ministers must confirm your reservation.


Weddings may not be scheduled on the following days:

  • Ash Wednesday
  • Easter weekend, 
  • Maundy Thursday
  • Christmas, or the day before Christmas

No wedding may be scheduled after 5:00 pm on a Saturday except by special arrangement.


The wedding rehearsal is under the direction of the officiating minister in consultation with the couple. It is usually held the evening before the wedding – though other arrangements can be made in consultation with the officiating minister. Due to a busy church schedule, rehearsals will begin at the planned time even if all participants are not present.


The entire fee for the wedding is due no later than the wedding rehearsal. The wedding license must be in the officiating minister’s hands by the rehearsal.


The couple is obliged to secure a wedding license. Please check with your town/city clerk about the license. East Providence and out-of-state residents should obtain the license from East Providence City Hall. Out-of-town residents secure a license at the town/city clerk in the hometown of the bride.


pre-marital conferences

The couple should arrange for a conference with a minister of Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ as soon as a date has been selected. The marriage is to be performed by a minister currently on the staff of the church. Newman UCC may not be “rented” for wedding services by outside churches or clergy.


The couple should arrange a conference with the church organist, who is in charge of ceremony music. Music must meet church standards. No recorded music is allowed. For an additional fee, soloists from the church are available, or, the couple may secure soloists. The Newman UCC Minister of Music has right of first refusal for every wedding at the church. Guest organists may be permitted upon approval by the Newman UCC Minister of Music. In such cases, the Newman UCC Minister of Music will receive his/her usual wedding fee.

wedding fees

The entire fee for the wedding is due no later than the wedding rehearsal. 

The wedding license must be in the officiating minister’s hands by the rehearsal.

  • Organist

    Non-Member & Non-Pledging Member

         $250

    Pledging Member

         $250

  • Minister

    Non-Member & Non-Pledging Member

         $500

    Pledging Member

         discretionary


    *For weddings away from the church, the fees for the minister shall apply.

  • Use of Church

    Non-Member & Non-Pledging Member

         $300

    Pledging Member

         No fee