PREMARITAL SESSIONS WITH THE PASTOR

The pastor of our church wants to get to know each couple personally. The bride and groom will be asked to meet with the pastor at least six times to talk about the meaning of Christian marriage, themselves, their relationship as a couple, and their wedding ceremony. The pastor asks that all couples contact him as early as possible, preferably 6 months before the intended wedding, to ensure the wedding date and to provide enough time to schedule the six premarital sessions.

Weddings are scheduled on a first come first served basis, but no date is firm until the couple has met with the pastor at least once. In this first session, the pastor will ask the couple to share their life journey with special emphasis on their spiritual journey. Also they will be asked to complete an instrument for marriage preparation. This instrument is called FOCCUS—Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study. They will answer between 156 and 189 questions depending on your background and life situation. The charge for FOCCUS is $20.00 payable at the first session.

After the first sessions and the pastor has the results of the instrument for marriage preparation (FOCCUS), he will inform you in writing of his decision as to whether or not he can, in good conscience, perform the wedding. The pastor may consult with the Leadership Team (if necessary) to discuss if a Christian wedding is appropriate. The Leadership Team recognizes the pastor's right to decide whether or not he can perform a wedding.

REGARDING THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

The laws regarding marriage licenses change from time to time. At the present time in New Hampshire, marriage licenses are valid for  90 days from the date of filing; the age of consent for both bride and groom is 18 years. The license may be obtained from any New Hampshire town/city clerk. In general, it is advisable to obtain the license at your earliest convenience.

The license should be given to the pastor at the time of the rehearsal. It is unlawful for the pastor to perform a wedding service unless he has been given a valid marriage license beforehand. The pastor will make sure that the marriage is recorded with the town/city clerk and with the church clerk.

USING THE TOWN HALL FOR THE RECEPTION

The Greenfield Meeting House is a historic building. Built in 1795 it is one of the few remaining meeting houses in the country that is still used by both the town and the church. The town of Greenfield regulates the use of the town hall (located on the main level of the Meeting House). If it is the couple’s plan to use the town hall for their reception, it is their responsibility to make the arrangements for the use of this part of the Meeting House. Call 547-3442 or stop by the town offices located across from the Meeting House on Sawmill Road to make such arrangements.