Wedding Guidelines

The Pastor and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Newport extend to you our very best in the preparations you are making toward the celebration of your marriage together in the Lord.

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) reminds us that “marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family.” Marriage is God’s idea; it is God who has instituted such a covenant relationship between a man and a woman. Furthermore, God’s intention in marriage is for the benefit and well-being of those who unite together in marriage.

While marriage may be viewed by some only as a civil contract between a woman and a man, marriage is to be viewed differently by Christians. “For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship.” For this reason, “in a service of Christian marriage, a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.”

With this in mind, “Christian marriage should be celebrated in the place where the community gathers for worship.” The wedding service is “a service of Christian worship a special service which focuses upon marriage as a gift of God and as an expression of the Christian life.”

Because we take Christian marriage very seriously, the Session has approved the following guidelines for weddings to take place here at the First Presbyterian Church.
  • The couple must have some connection with FPC, either as members, relatives of members, or as those who have been regular participants in the life of the church.
  • At least one, and preferably both, must be a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • The couple must be willing to accept pre-marital counseling from the pastor. This includes at least three sessions, unless determined otherwise by the pastor.
  • The couple is willing to accept the normal fees ([Pastor, Director of Music Ministries/Organist, and Sexton) for the wedding service, payable on the day of the rehearsal: (Please call the church office for these amounts.)
  • Unless otherwise noted, there is no cost for the use of the church facilities.
The couple and Dr. Maxwell will arrange scheduling for the pre-marital counseling appointments. In addition, the couple will have the responsibility of personally contacting Mr. Brunelle concerning the music for the wedding ceremony.

Again, the Pastor and the Session are rejoicing with you and pledge their full support in seeking to assist you toward a most meaningful wedding service, and toward a life together that is a true reflection of such depth of love as that found in Christ for His Church (cf. Ephesians 5:21-33).

With Warmest Regards in Christ,
Dr. Wm. J. Maxwell, Pastor
Session of First Presbyterian Church