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Congratulations to all visiting this site who have become engaged!
Old North Church is a "House of Prayer for All People." The church is happy to accommodate couples who seek God's blessing on their marriage in this beautiful and historic building. We take our role as a living Christian community seriously and invite couples who wish to be wed here to explore the spiritual dimensions of marriage.
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer states:
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. (BCP, p. 422)
The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
(BCP, p. 423)
The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
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At
least one of the persons being married must be a baptized Christian.
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A minimum of 90 days' notice, dated from the first meeting with one of the clergy, is always required. Reserving a date six months or more in advance is highly recommended |
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When one or both parties has been previously married:
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Permission to solemnize the wedding must be sought from the Bishop and a minimum of 120 days' notice is required |
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No arrangements can be made until any divorce is absolute and the person legally free to marry. A copy of any Decree of Divorce Absolute (issued only when the period of time stated in the divorce decree has elapsed) must be seen and verified. |
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It shall be within the discretion of any member of the clergy of the church to decline to solemnize any marriage. |
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Marriages are held at or after 6:00 pm, by candlelight. No ceremonies will be held on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, July 4th, Marathon Weekend and during Holy Week. As there is often more than one wedding on a particular evening, the ceremony must begin at the designated time and end promptly. Please consider the importance of this day to you and be respectful of those who may follow. |
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No wedding date is confirmed until after a personal interview with one of the clergy has taken place. At that time, a $200.00 nonrefundable deposit to reserve the date and time is required. Arrangements for this interview should be made by calling (617) 523-6676 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm). |
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At least four pre-marital counseling sessions are required with a member of the clergy in which Christian marriage is discussed and the details of the service planned. |
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Required attendance on at least three Sundays at Old North services, or those of a parish in the home community. |
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Important: It is essential that, if you wish to have your marriage solemnized at Old North Church, you arrange for an appointment with one of the clergy as soon as possible. |
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Guest Clergy
Guest clergy are welcome to assist in the ceremony. |
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Fees
The fee for the use of the church by non-members is $1,400 (including the $200.00 deposit).
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Donation to general maintenance of the church |
$750.00 |
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Clergy (four counseling sessions, rehearsal and wedding) |
$300.00 |
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Administration/Sexton |
$150.00 |
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Organist |
$200.00 |
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Total |
$1,400.00 |
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Note: Final payment must be made before or at the final interview. |
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Music
When music is desired,
the church organist is generally available to play. Requests for other instrumentalists and/or vocalists should be discussed with the clergy and the organist. Fees for additional instrumentalists and/or vocalists should be arranged directly with the organist, and payment made in advance of the ceremony. |
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Flowers and Aisle Runner
One flower arrangement, placed outside the altar rail, is all that is necessary. The use of an aisle runner, of whatever material, is not recommended for aesthetic and safety reasons. The dark main aisle carpet, vacuumed prior to the ceremony, better highlights any gown with a train. |
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Photographs and Video
Except
for the entry of the bride and the departure of the wedding party, which may be recorded by anyone, only designated persons may photograph or film during the marriage ceremony. To avoid distraction during the ceremony, no flash may be used and all photographs are to be taken from one position only. Designated individuals should be aware of the lighting restrictions and discuss all arrangements with the clergy prior to the ceremony.
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Additional photography after the ceremony is limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. |
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In the Church |
Restricted
to parts of the marriage ceremony only; i.e. the vows, exchange of rings, etc. No group/family poses. |
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In the Gardens |
No flash if a wedding precedes or follows. |
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The name and address of the photographer/videographer must be provided to the church before the ceremony. The church reserves the right to bar photographers/videographers who have violated church policy at previous weddings. |
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Receiving Line
Receiving lines at the church are not possible. |
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Transportation and Parking
There is limited street parking available. Space in front of the church is generally secured for one limousine and possibly one additional car. However, it should be noted that no guarantees can be made as the church has no specific rights to the space and it is governed by city regulations. The nearest parking facility is the Kinney North End Parking Garage, entrance at 600 Commercial Street (between Prince and Hull Streets).
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Buses are not permitted on local streets, by order of the City of Boston. |
We encourage you to use the following transportation services as they are familiar with city regulations, traffic patterns in the North End, and have provided the best service:
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Trolleys |
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Old Town Trolley |
Leslie Nagy, (617) 269-7150 |
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Limousines |
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Dav El/Fifth Avenue Limousines |
(617) 884-2600 |
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Lynette's Limousine Service, Inc. |
(781) 938-0014 |
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Carey of Boston |
(781) 848-3572 |
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Commonwealth Limousine Service |
(617) 787-5575 |
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Note: City and Public
safety regulations prohibit trolleys from Salem and Hull Streets. Trolleys require a special city permit to stop on Hanover Street by the Paul Revere statue. An additional usher posted at the rear gate of church property is required to welcome guests if trolley transportation is used. |
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