St. Paul’s wedding policy.

We are neither a Las Vegas style wedding chapel nor a rent-a-church! Our principal concern, in fact, is not at all with the day of your wedding but rather with the years of your marriage. We are very flexible and appreciate your interest in considering using St. Paul's beautiful building as the site of your wedding. We do not see this historic structure as being “ours!” It is God’s building and, therefore, open to you and all of God’s People for use.

Our main requirement, because of our concern for the quality of your future marriage, is that you participate in pre-marriage counseling. You can do this either through Fr. Moore, our Priest in Charge, or with any other clergy person of a recognized Christian denomination whom you wish to conduct your wedding ceremony.  Our advice is that if you are not currently active in a church where you live that you become active. It is the clergy person of the church in which you are active who should conduct your pre-marriage counseling and conduct your marriage ceremony if at all possible. If you choose to have Fr. Moore conduct the wedding ceremony you need to know that pre-marriage counseling usually involves at least three or four sessions. Most couples find that they typically travel to St. Paul’s at least that many times as they prepare for their wedding. Appointments are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the couple and the Priest. Fr. Moore very much emphasizes that the two people being married are the chief “celebrants” in the wedding service and that it is their preferences, not the clergy person's, which should decide the character of the wedding ceremony.

The first time the Priest meets with a couple, most of the time is spent discussing the various possibilities for their wedding to enable them to choose from different alternatives. It is preferred that arrangements be made at least six months prior to the intended date of the marriage. If one or both of you have previously been married it is preferred that arrangements be made eight months in advance.

Our church seats about 180 persons comfortably but with extra seating can hold up to 250. Our chapel holds 30 comfortably. The building is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. It was completely restored in 2005 including a new Ahlborn-Galanti organ, and a 1934 Bradbury Baby Grand Piano.

Our organist may be scheduled to play for your wedding. We can also give you some recommendations for other musicians and vocalists. Typically you will meet with the organist after a Sunday service and choose your music from various selections available that suite your needs. You can be as elaborate or as simple as you desire in your choice of floral arrangements or other greenery to decorate the church. We do ask that you fill the vases at the altar with cut flowers that will remain in the church after the wedding for Sunday services at which time prayers for your marriage will be offered.

Parking for large weddings can be a problem in Watertown. We ask that you be respectful of our neighbors and follow the parking restrictions that are posted. (One restriction that is not posted is that it is illegal to park within 4 feet of someone’s driveway.) Photos can be taken before or after the ceremony, but not during the ceremony except from the back of the church and without the use of flash attachments. Many competent florists and photographers are available in the Watertown area as are many interesting places for wedding receptions. Our Guild Hall, (maximum seating capacity of 120), which is attached to the church, is available for catered receptions for small weddings only.

Church members pay $100 for the church, $75 for custodial fee, $50 for Guild Hall use with kitchen, to be married at St. Paul's Church.  The suggested contribution by non-members toward building upkeep is $400, custodial fee of $150, Guild Hall with kitchen $200. In addition, a personal honorarium of not less than $350 should be given directly to the priest. This compensates him/her for the time spent counseling, participating at the rehearsal and wedding, and for time spent on a homily preparation. Our organist charges $250 to play for a rehearsal and wedding plus an additional $25 if he accompany a soloist.

We wish you a wonderful wedding at this time of great joy. More importantly, we wish you a loving and growing marriage.