YOUR WEDDING AT THE UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! The United Congregational Church is a quintessential New England sanctuary with abundant natural light filtered through clear antique window glass. In addition, our church has a new organ specially built in Italy that has a spectacular sound! For your convenience, we have outlined the wedding process, on the link below (wedding brochure) which should be followed in planning your wedding. If you have any questions, please phone us at (401) 635 8472.

CONTACT THE MINISTER

Along with these guidelines, you will receive a Wedding Arrangement form. Please be sure to mail this form in as soon as possible to insure your wedding date. After confirming your date with the minister or church office, please return this form with your check, if applicable (see last page). All marriages at the United Congregational Church must be conducted by our minister. Major holidays are not available for weddings, unless by special consent of the minister. You may reach our minister, Rev. Richard S. DenUyl, Jr. by calling the church office at 401-635-8472, Monday ~ Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or E-mail at rdenuyljr@cox.net.

ARRANGE FOR A PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING SESSION WITH THE MINISTER

The first session should be 1 to 2 months before the wedding date. Pre-marital counseling sessions are times of exploring together the dynamics of a relationship in marriage, areas of strength, areas needing work and questions and issues that a couple may want to consider further on their own. These sessions also provide a way for the minister to know the couple more personally so that the wedding service may reflect the uniqueness of each couple.

ARRANGE FOR A CONSULTATION WITH THE ORGANIST

The United Congregational Church organist, or an organist approved by him, will play for the ceremony. Because a wedding is part of a worship service, requests for special music should be discussed with the organist well in advance of the ceremony. Our organist, Michael Bahmann, may be reached by calling 401-781-8393. Phone immediately after your first consultation with the minister to plan your wedding music.

PLAN TO OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE

If either party is a Rhode Island resident, the marriage license must be obtained at their local town clerk's office. If both parties are from out of state, they both need to be present when applying for the license and the marriage license must be obtained here in Little Compton at the Town Hall. The fee here is $24.00 and the Town Hall hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays. You will need proof of age and identity. You will need a photo ID. Also needed is a valid photo driver's license, valid passport or birth certificate. If either party is divorced or widowed, the original (with seal) certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate is also required. No blood test is required in Rhode Island . License is vald for 90 days only.

THE REHEARSAL

A rehearsal is best scheduled the day before the wedding and before the rehearsal dinner. It will be conducted by the minister. The entire wedding party should be there a few minutes ahead of time. Don't forget to bring your marriage license to the rehearsal. The rehearsal normally takes 30-45 minutes.

DECORATING THE SANCTUARY

Flowers: When you engage a florist, it is suggested that the floral arrangements be kept simple and unpretentious. Please be sure to provide the wedding coordinator with the name of the florist and the exact time the florist will be delivering the flowers, so arrangements may be made to have the church building open for their arrival.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Flash photography is discouraged during the wedding ceremony. However, the final decision is up to the wedding couple. Photographs and videos during the ceremony are best taken from a fixed position near the rear of the church or from the balcony.

DAY OF THE WEDDING

The groom, best man and ushers should arrive 45 minutes before the service. The bride should arrive 20 minutes before the service. The bride will have the use of the Ladies' Parlor located outside of the vestry. Organ music before the wedding generally lasts 15-20 minutes and cannot be played indefinitely while waiting for members of the wedding party. Flower petals, rice, confetti, or any other substance may not be thrown inside or outside of the church.

THE RECEPTION

For an additional fee, the church vestry is available for receptions with prior approval from the minister and the Board of Trustees. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.