A Church Wedding
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The first thing that we need to tell couples looking for a wedding venue is that we are a Christian church, steeped in the Reformed tradition and proud of our Congregational roots. We believe firmly in the institution of marriage, and we see a church wedding as a sacred event, the blessing by God of a lifelong relationship. To that end, we first must stress that the Trinitarian Congregational Parish is not simply a rental hall for weddings. You do not have to be a confessed Christian to be married here, but we do expect that weddings held in our church will be sacred ceremonies, following the traditions and practices of recognized religious organizations – Christian or otherwise.
If you are considering a civil ceremony for your wedding (a ceremony that will be presided over by someone other than an ordained or licensed clergy representative), please feel free to discuss with us your plans and intentions, and we will consider whether those plans will work well in our church sanctuary. |
Our Facilities |
The Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine was formed in 1820, and the present church building was dedicated in 1829. Since then, the church has undergone several renovations that have resulted in the present configuration, which we describe here:
Seating
Seating, in fixed pews, will generally accommodate up to 180 persons. Access to the sanctuary (the main auditorium) is made through the front door into a narthex, and then up 11 stairs on either of two stairways to the main floor. There is no elevator in the church, but there is one electric stair chair lift available. Wheelchairs can negotiate the sanctuary, but no specific seating area has been designed for wheelchair use.
Please note that the church does not have air conditioning.
Choir Loft
An elevated choir loft at the rear of the sanctuary is accessible by a flight of five stairs (no elevator or chair lift). In addition to an organist, the choir loft will accommodate soloists or a small ensemble of musicians.
Organ
Our church features a Rodgers 805B Classic Organ, a 2- manual electronic instrument that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. More information on organists is available later in this brochure.
Piano
Our church features a concert-grade Steinway grand piano that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. More information on musicians is available later in this brochure.
Sound System
Our church is equipped with a sound reinforcement system including both wired and wireless microphones available for use at weddings. The system is capable of recording proceedings in a digital format. The system also includes a CD player that has been used to provide both incidental and accompanying music.
Rest Room
A single rest room is available on the lower (vestry) level.
Vestry
The lower level of the church is known as the vestry. The vestry is accessible down a flight of eight stairs, and is also accessible through a separate entrance equipped with a wheelchair ramp. In general, the vestry is made available for weddings as a gathering/dressing space for the wedding party, but is also available for receptions (discussed later in this brochure).
Seating
Seating, in fixed pews, will generally accommodate up to 180 persons. Access to the sanctuary (the main auditorium) is made through the front door into a narthex, and then up 11 stairs on either of two stairways to the main floor. There is no elevator in the church, but there is one electric stair chair lift available. Wheelchairs can negotiate the sanctuary, but no specific seating area has been designed for wheelchair use.
Please note that the church does not have air conditioning.
Choir Loft
An elevated choir loft at the rear of the sanctuary is accessible by a flight of five stairs (no elevator or chair lift). In addition to an organist, the choir loft will accommodate soloists or a small ensemble of musicians.
Organ
Our church features a Rodgers 805B Classic Organ, a 2- manual electronic instrument that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. More information on organists is available later in this brochure.
Piano
Our church features a concert-grade Steinway grand piano that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. More information on musicians is available later in this brochure.
Sound System
Our church is equipped with a sound reinforcement system including both wired and wireless microphones available for use at weddings. The system is capable of recording proceedings in a digital format. The system also includes a CD player that has been used to provide both incidental and accompanying music.
Rest Room
A single rest room is available on the lower (vestry) level.
Vestry
The lower level of the church is known as the vestry. The vestry is accessible down a flight of eight stairs, and is also accessible through a separate entrance equipped with a wheelchair ramp. In general, the vestry is made available for weddings as a gathering/dressing space for the wedding party, but is also available for receptions (discussed later in this brochure).