At the time of the wedding, the couple must have a valid Massachusetts Marriage License to be signed by the officiating clergy. It may be obtained at the office of the Town Clerk in any town in Massachusetts. At the time of application, both members of the couple must be present. If either is divorced, it is wise to bring along a copy of the divorce decree. There is a three day waiting period before the license can be available. Either at the time of making applications or at the time of picking up the certificate, a Massachusetts Medicate Certificate (blood test) must be filed for each member. The blood test may not be more than 30 days old when you apply for your license. Marriage Licenses, once issued, are valid for sixty days. Following the ceremony, the officiating clergy will mail the signed license to the proper authorities, after which you may acquire an official Certificate of Marriage from the Town Clerk for a small fee. A photocopy can be provided at the time of the ceremony if required for travel.
Floral arrangements for the altar should not exceed 16" in height. Additional flowers and ribbons may be placed on stands, the candelabra and the pews— at the direction of the Wedding Coordinator and in collaboration with your florist. Nothing may be taped—all décor must be tied. Plans should be made with the wedding coordinator as to the distribution of flowers after the wedding. If appropriate, flowers may be used in Sunday worship and then taken to people who are sick or shut-in.
Candles
The Christ Candles on the altar are provided
by the church. If you would like to have additional candles for the chancel
candelabra (14, 12-inch) or aisle candelabra (20, 12-inch), non-drip candles
that fit the holders should be purchased and brought to the rehearsal.
The Wedding Coordinator can help
you with sizes.
The lighting of a Unity Candle to symbolize marriage as “two becoming one” has become an integral part of today’s wedding service for many couples. This new tradition typically takes place following the pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife or partners and is often set to music, with a short introduction by the pastor. If you would like to include this symbol in your wedding, you will need to purchase the candles and candle stands and bring them to the rehearsal as well. There are many options in this regard, which you will want to discuss with the pastor. Options include, for instance, the participation of family members in the lighting of the tapers, and the type of candle sticks (a family heirloom or something new) and candles to use.
If you desire a runner, you should make arrangements with your florist to provide the runner. A fabric runner is recommended rather than plastic or paper. You will need to designate two ushers to pull the runner into place. Be aware that our aisle is carpeted and the use of a runner is not easily implemented. It takes time and patience for the runner to be pulled into place evenly.
The rehearsal is usually held the night prior to the wedding day although some couples choose to hold their rehearsal two days before, especially if the wedding falls on a Sunday afternoon. The time and date of the rehearsal should be suggested at the time of facilities reservations, and finalized during your negotiations with the pastor. An effort will be made to hold the rehearsal at an hour that will coincide with plans you might make for a rehearsal dinner and people’s travel plans. Those immediately involved in the wedding include: bride, groom, attendants, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer, and any readers and speakers in the ceremony. The parents of the bride and groom should plan to attend the rehearsal and other immediate family and friends are certainly welcomed. The following items should be brought to the rehearsal: The wedding license Candles. All fees It is also helpful for the women in the wedding party and the bride to wear the shoes they will wear for the wedding.
For printed invitations we recommend that you use this address:
First Congregational Church of Reading, United Church of Christ
25 Woburn Street (at the corner of Woburn and Sanborn Streets)
Reading, Massachusetts
We can provide you with a set of directions for duplication, or you might invite family and friends to our web site for directions to the church.
It is the policy of the church that flash photographs not be taken during the worship service. Flash photographs may be taken during the processional and recessional. Video taping is allowed from the balcony using available light only. Your photographer may not move about the sanctuary in a disruptive manner, nor may they step up into the chancel. Please be sure that your photographer and guests are aware of this policy. The pastor is available to re-enact settings of the service to be photographed after the guests have left. The purpose of this policy is to maintain an atmosphere of dignity, reverence and worship-with a minimum of distraction.
Wedding Programs are not only a memento of the day, but a wonderful vehicle for expressing your gratitude to the gathered congregation, providing directions to the reception site, listing the participants in the worship service and supporting the guests through the worship service. We will create a standard worship bulletin, printed on white paper, into which you can add your note of thanks. Should you desire, in collaboration with the pastor, you may purchase other papers or have the bulletin printed by an outside source, provided the worship content is approved by the pastor.
The church will provide the organist/pianist for all weddings. Soloists are also available upon request. The church English Handbell choir may be available to play wedding processionals, recessionals and special music. These musicians shall be remunerated according to the church's published fee schedule. If a couple wishes to utilize musicians other than those from the church, they must first obtain permission of the church organist in concurrence with a representative of the Music Committee. The Organist and Handbell Choir Director, as well as the pastor, will be available to help the couple decide upon and make suggestions for the music in the service. Music selections should be submitted to the organist (and the pastor advised) as far in advance of the ceremony as possible to allow ample opportunity for review and suggestions. Click here for ideas for possible Hymns for your wedding service.