Marriage

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 or parent) of a church member. Couples are normally married in the home church of either the member of the couple. 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 either member of the couple 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.

If either member of the couple 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.

Weddings are normally held in either the sanctuary or the chapel. The former seats approximately 700 persons, the latter 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.

Couples interested in having their wedding at The Brick Presbyterian Church should complete the Wedding Interest Form at the bottom of this page. 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 Minister of Music to plan the music for the service. In addition to an organist, Brick Church has a fine team of professional vocalists and instrumentalists that can be engaged to enhance the music for your service. 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 the New York City Clerk’s website here.

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.

Floral decorations, if any, should be arranged after carefully noting the shape and size of the front of the sanctuary or chapel to ensure 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.

Please contact Sophie Carnegie (SCarnegie@brickchurch.org), Executive Assistant to Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans.

Sophie Carnegie, Executive Assistant to Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans will be getting in touch with you shortly.