Weddings & Special Events
If you’re looking for an awesome place to be married, consider First Parish Church Duxbury.
Our historic New England meetinghouse, built in 1840, is beautiful and spacious, seating up to 400 comfortably. The classic, Greek Revival interior is striking in daylight, when the soaring windows provide views of trees and sky, or in the evening, especially when lit by candles. The large, open sanctuary features a long center aisle. Organ and piano are available.
The beautifully renovated Assembly Hall, in the connected Parish House, is available to rent for receptions or other public events, along with a new, commercial-grade kitchen. The hall and parlor can be set up for a reception to accommodate up to 300 guests, or as a dining room to accommodate up 144 at tables for 8. The Hall features sage green walls, crisp white trim, black wrought-iron chandeliers and sconces, a grand piano, coat closet, music system, and a stage with professional lighting.
The downstairs chapel, which seats 60, is also available for intimate weddings, child dedications and similar events. The chapel opens directly onto the brick-paved Memorial Garden, making outdoor receptions possible in pleasant weather.
Yes, you can get married here!
We’re a liberal religious community welcoming all couples, regardless of religious preference, race, gender or prior marital status. We are one of the few churches on the South Shore that conduct same-sex marriages in their sanctuaries. Alternatively, our minister will officiate at a same-sex wedding at a place of your choosing. To check on availability of dates and to schedule a visit to the church, contact Lenore O’Malley, Church Administrator.
Wedding Application Form
Building Use Policy
Wedding FAQ
"My fiancé and I are interested in having our wedding at First Parish Duxbury, where do we start?
- Review these FAQs carefully
- Contact the Church Administrator regarding the availability of your wedding date.
- If the building is available, download and complete the FPC Application for Building Use
- Prior to securing your wedding date, we require all couples to meet with our Minister. Make an appointment by contacting: uuduxbury@verizon.net
Do we have to be members of the Church to be married here?
You do not have to be members of First Parish Church Duxbury to be married here.
Do we have to be Unitarian Universalists to be married here?
No. You do not need to practice Unitarian Universalism to be married here. But, it is important for you to know and learn about the Church and the Minister. The Minister will introduce you to our religious tradition in the initial conference and provide introductory literature.
What if one of us has been divorced?
If there has been a previous marriage we will discuss it and its meaning for the new marriage. It will not affect your ability to be married at First Parish Church.
What if one, or both us, is non-Christian?
Your religion is important to us. The Minister will discuss with you your faith, background and affiliations. However, we apply no test of belief, either for membership in this church or for access to the services of this church.
Is it possible to have an outside minister perform our wedding service at the Church?
Yes, we do ask that you request permission of our Minister before bringing another member of the clergy to perform the service at the Church.
Is it possible for us to invite a second minister, priest, or rabbi to assist the Minister in performing our wedding service?
Again, permission of the Minister is required; but this is usually possible.
What meetings will be required of us prior to our wedding at First Parish Church Duxbury?
At minimum, we request that each couple participate in the following meetings prior to the wedding service:
1. An initial exploratory meeting with the Minister. We will get to know each other and outline the wedding service. You will be asked to read, discuss and evaluate several different wedding texts before the second meeting.
2. A second meeting with the Minister. We will discuss the text and deal with any other issues that come up.
3. The rehearsal. Usually, but not necessarily, the day before the wedding, during the day. All participants in the service, including ushers, should be present. Occasionally in the case of a very small and simple wedding, the rehearsal may be omitted.