Weddings |
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- >Wedding Application (PDF)
Looking for the perfect setting for a wedding, banquet,birthday party or other special occasion? Need a place for your group to hold meetings? Our facility is:
- Spacious and well designed.
- there are many small group rooms and a large hall for meetings
- Accessible for guests with disabilities.
- Set in a convenient downtown location with plenty of parking.
- Available with a full kitchen including four ovens, stove, refrigerator and freezer space and dishwasher.
- Convenient to major highways and public transportation.
A wide variety of groups are welcome to rent our facilities, as long as they support values consistent with our Unitarian Universalist principles. Renters must agree to follow all rules as specified in the rental agreement.
Please see our Weddings page below for information specific to weddings.
Building Rental
Please inquire for rental rates. We strive to make our building affordable for the community and will work with you to determine an acceptable rate for your length of use and purpose. Please inquire if you would like further information.
Weddings
Our church is glad to assist couples who are planning weddings. We hope the
information on this page will help answer some of your questions.
Planning a Unitarian Wedding
Unitarian Universalist wedding services include many of the aspects, vows and symbols, of more orthodox religions. What makes the Unitarian Universalist ceremony different is in why they believe people are married. Most religious denominations view marriage and marriage vows as a holy act that is significant to God. Unitarians consider that the rite of marriage has more to do with the desire of people to add a spiritual dimension to their freely chosen act, rather than an endorsement of a particular tradition's view of God. The couple, they prescribe, forms a union because it's what they want to do, rather than because they are commanded to do so in order to receive God's blessings.
This approach to marriage is what leads Unitarian Universalist ministers and ceremony officiators to meet with the couple before the ceremony so they may examine their own motives and create their own ways of making their wedding ceremony into a "holy act". Couples are encouraged to create their own language, choose their own readings and select their music, words, and vows for the ceremony, so that the service is uniquely theirs.
If the couple chooses not to "design" their own ceremony, the minister may be asked to do so for them. Then the elements will be reviewed by the couple and then they either will give their approval, or make suggestions for revisions.
A Unitarian Universalist service may begin with a processional, readings, which may be taken from the Bible, the Koran, poems, or any passages with which the couple "connects." The couple is then joined in matrimony. The service may take place somewhere other than in a place of worship. A religious blessing of a civil marriage ceremony may take place anywhere. All components other than legal requirements are flexible and optional.
Because Unitarian Universalist believe there is no "right way" to sanctify a union. Many couples who are from varying religious backgrounds and many, who have been divorced, are drawn and welcome at Unitarian Universalist church.
Your first step if you are considering a wedding through First Church is to call the church office at 978-537-0310. The office is staffed Tuesday through Thursday 11am-1pm. You may very well reach someone during regular business hours but please leave a message if there is no answer. You may arrange to meet with the Minister to see the church and discuss your needs. After you have booked your service the minister will work with you to make your wedding a meaningful and joyful day!
Regardless of who performs the ceremony, please inquire for fees, building rental policies and availability. Once a date is determined to be available, the office manager will tentatively reserve the building and will send out a building use agreement which will detail fees and deposits, rules for use of the premises and other information you will need. In order to guarantee the date the completed form must be returned with your deposit.
Marriage Licenses
Obtaining a marriage license is the responsibility of the wedding couple. You may apply for a license at any Town/City Hall in the state. In Leominster, applications are made at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Hall. Information is available on the Leominster Town Clerk's website. There is a 3-day waiting period between making the application and the time you can pick up your license. You must bring your license with you at the time of the wedding rehearsal or make other acceptable arrangements with the officiant. Please make sure he or she makes a copy of the signed license and leaves the copy with the church office. The officiant will complete the license and return it to the appropriate officials.
The Sanctuary
We have a beautiful sanctuary and encourage you to come see it when visiting potential wedding sites. The church building and sanctuary are handicapped-accessible. There is an elevator at the entrance to the church directly from the parking lot. The seating capacity in the sanctuary is about 350 people. If you expect more guests, chairs may be set up at the back of the sanctuary.
Receptions
The church has space to accommodate your wedding reception. There is a large room with hardwood floors and an adjoining kitchen which may be used by a caterer if desired. We can provide folding chairs and tables which seat 8. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to provide all other items needed. There is a comfortable private room off the main dining room that may be used for the wedding party to change or have a quiet, private moment as necessary or to change clothes. Adjoining the main hall is a kitchen with four ovens, a sink, four burner stove and dishwasher. With prior notice there can be a refrigerator and freezer space made available. The church is in no way responsible for catering arrangements but the church administrator will work on logistics with your chosen caterer.
Schedule of User Fees
*Sanctuary (for wedding & 1 hour rehearsal) min. $350
*Use of building for reception please contact office for rate>
**fees for minister will be discussed with the minister- fees are set according to UUMA guidelines
**fees for the organist or musician are discussed and negotiated with them
Payment should be made prior to the ceremony.
PLEASE NOTE: These prices include one hour for the wedding ceremony and one hour for the rehearsal. If either takes longer than one hour, the Sanctuary fees may be adjusted.
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* Make check payable to FCUU Leominster
** Make check payable to individual as named