Beauty. History. Sacred space.
The beautiful historic Sanctuary at First Congregational Church has long been a favored location for weddings. We invite you to consider celebrating your ceremony in this special place. The historic interior, grand stone steps and portico of our entry, and landscaped open space offer excellent opportunities for photos. Smaller weddings may wish to consider choosing the Chapel for a more intimate setting. Our downtown location one block from Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace offers ease of access to a number of nearby reception venues and hotels.
In keeping with our commitment to social justice and inclusivity, First Congregational Church of Burlington proclaims the equal rights of all people, including the legal right for individuals to marry the person of their choice.
Planning the Ceremony
A wedding at First Church is first and foremost a service of worship, celebrating the presence and asking the blessing of God. While the Church most often works with couples who seek a Christian service of marriage, we are pleased as well to extend hospitality to interfaith, inter-religious, and ecumenical couples and will work with you to accommodate your needs.
We anticipate that all couples will work closely with one of our Ministers and meet with this Minister for premarital counseling. The Minister will guide the couple through the understandings of Christian marriage, the form and shape of the service, and the couple’s thoughts and feelings about marriage. Wedding services may be jointly officiated by a First Church Minister and another member of the clergy in good standing.
Music
In keeping with the musical tradition of First Church and dignity of the occasion, organ or piano music for the wedding will be typically provided by the First Church organist; vocalists or additional instrumentalists are also a possibility. Musical selections are customarily of religious/classical nature and discussed with the Director of Music.
Reserving a Date
For further information about planning a wedding and to inquire about a date, please contact the Rental Coordinator ([email protected]; 802-862-5010).
