Christian Marriage and Weddings
“God has ordained that a man and a woman may enter into the estate of marriage, pledging their love and promising fidelity to one another, as long as both shall live. As Jesus Christ has blessed this relationship, and it has been declared holy throughout the life of His Church, those who pledge themselves each to the other in the sight of God are promised His help as they enter into the joys and duties of life together. Seeing that their love for each other may be expected to increase according to the increase of their love of God, they are called upon with God’s help to create a home in which they and their children can truly grow in grace. The Christian marriage ceremony is a service of worship before God, normally conducted within the house of God.”
—The Directory for the Worship of God, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Christian Marriage
Marriage in the Christian tradition is a life-long covenant made in the presence of God and into which God is invited. Though we trust that God is present everywhere, a religious wedding is one at which the Divine Presence is recognized and turned to for guidance and strength. Though we believe that it is God’s will for marriage to endure for life, under certain circumstances the Presbyterian Church permits marriage after divorce.
The Christian Wedding
A wedding is a service of worship in the context of which two persons enter into the covenant of marriage. Praise is offered to God for the gifts of life and love, and God is asked to strengthen and bless the marriage being celebrated. The teachings of Jesus about marriage are recalled as part of the service. One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read. Prayer is always offered. At The Brick Presbyterian Church, all weddings are Christian in their theological orientation, implying that at least one member of the couple be a confessing Christian. The basic format of the wedding service is drawn from one of the several liturgical resources of the Presbyterian Church (USA), usually the Book of Common Worship.
A minister of The Brick Presbyterian Church normally presides at all weddings held at The Brick Church. In consultation with the senior minister, non-Brick Church ministers from the Presbyterian or other Protestant traditions may be invited to preside. Assuming that the wedding will include organ music, The Brick Church organist or his designee will normally play for the service.
Member and Non-Member Weddings
A member wedding is defined as one in which at least one member of the couple is a member of The Brick Presbyterian Church or an immediate family member (child, grandchild, parent, or sibling) of a church member.
Couples are normally married in the home church of either the bride or the groom. Though this is usually the appropriate choice, we understand that sometimes circumstances make it difficult.
Christians who are not members here may request to be married under the following circumstances:
One or both members of the couple have been regularly involved at The Brick Presbyterian Church for six months or more. If they plan to make their home in New York, one or both members of the couple must commit themselves to unite with The Brick Presbyterian Church as active members. If they plan to make their home elsewhere, they should commit themselves to seek a church home in their new community.
Both members of a non-member wedding couple are required to respond in writing prior to their first wedding planning meeting to these questions:
1. What is your individual faith background?
2. What are your present perspectives on Christian faith?
3. Why do you wish to be married in a Christian wedding ceremony at The Brick Presbyterian Church?
4. What participation in a church do you envision in the future?
Non-Presbyterian Christian Partners
If either the bride or groom is a member of a different Christian denomination, appropriate elements drawn from that tradition may be introduced into the service. Ministers or priests from the denomination of the non-Presbyterian partner may also be invited to participate in the leadership of the service.
Non-Christian Partners
If either the bride or groom is a member of another, non-Christian religious tradition, appropriate elements from that tradition may be introduced into the Christian wedding service. Clergy from the tradition of the non-Christian partner may also be invited to participate in the leadership of the service.
Time and Place of Weddings
Weddings are normally held in either the sanctuary or the chapel. The former seats approximately 700 persons, the later approximately 90 with additional chairs. Weddings, though usually scheduled for Fridays or Saturdays, may be held on any day except Sunday and major Christian or civil holidays. It is recommended that weddings be scheduled well in advance of the date of the service.
Wedding Planning and Counseling
Couples interested in having their wedding at The Brick Presbyterian Church should complete the Wedding Interest Form, or contact the assistant to the senior minister by email with any questions. All couples are required to meet with the minister who will officiate at their wedding several times in preparation for the wedding. These meetings will include making specific plans for the wedding ceremony and conversation about marriage. In addition, couples should schedule a meeting with The Brick Church organist to plan for music. Couples should obtain a New York City Marriage License from the Marriage Bureau and bring it with them to the rehearsal. That license can be found at http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml
The Rehearsal
A wedding rehearsal is normally scheduled for the afternoon or evening prior to the wedding. All members of the wedding party, plus readers or other special participants, if any, should attend. All must arrive promptly, as it is difficult to conduct the rehearsal if all are not present. The parents of the couple should attend if it is convenient.
Decorations
Floral decorations, if any, should be arranged after carefully noting the shape and size of the front of the sanctuary or chapel to assure that such arrangements are appropriate and will not block the view of wedding guests. Both the Sanctuary and Chapel are beautiful and need little decoration. Indeed, excessive floral decorations are discouraged. If an aisle runner is to be used, it should be ordered by the person planning the wedding. (Note that the aisle is approximately 135 feet long.) Under no circumstances may tacks or nails be used to fasten any decorations in place. Petals, rice, birdseed and confetti are not permitted to be thrown in the building or on the church steps.
Photography and Videography
Because a wedding is a service of worship, it is inappropriate for photos to be taken, either by guests of professional photographers or videographers, during the wedding ceremony, with the exception of non-flash photography or videography from the narthex (rear entry way) or balcony. Photos may be taken in the narthex at any time and in all locations following the wedding ceremony. Photographers and videographers are not permitted to come down the aisle during the wedding processional or wedding ceremony.
Fees and Honoraria
There is no fee for the use of the sanctuary or chapel for member weddings. For non-member weddings, there is a $1000 fee for the Chapel or an $1500 fee for the Sanctuary. Other fees and honoraria are as follows (asterisk denotes required fees):
**Officiating Minister (Pastor's Honorarium): $500
**The Brick Church Wedding Coordinator (Pastor's Assistant): $300
**The Sexton (custodian on duty): $250
The Organist: $480 base rate (A different rate will apply for more intricate musical arrangements.)
Vocal Soloists: $200
Trumpeter: $200
Harpist: $350
Choir: $125 per Chorister with a minimum of 4 Choristers
If you would like to have your marriage ceremony held at The Brick Presbyterian Church, please fill out the Wedding Interest Form. The Senior Pastor's assistant will be getting in touch with you.