Weddings at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
Celebrate your special day in our historic downtown Ann Arbor church sanctuary. Weddings at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor are always an exceptional experience for both the guests and the happy couple. We are proud to be an inclusive and affirming church. We believe any two adults who are in love deserve to join their lives together in God’s church. We will marry gay couples, straight couples, members and non-members, divorced, or first-timers. We look forward to being the place “where it all began” for your marriage.
We strive to be a joyous spiritual home, welcoming and valuing all people, embracing God’s Word, and enriching lives. Your wedding is the most significant event in your lives and a sacred ministry of this church. It is our priority that your special day is just that: fantastic, special, and memorable!
- Wedding Fees
- Wedding Coordinator
- Premarital Counseling
- Meeting with Officiating Minister
- Music
- Floral Decorations
- Photography and Videography
- Parking
- Obtaining a Marriage License
Wedding Fees*
(counseling fees are NOT included)
Sanctuary Wedding (seats up to 450) – $1725.*
Douglas Chapel (seats up to 65) – $1225.*
Offsite – $600.*
*Wedding fees are subject to change without notice.
Persons who have been active covenant members of The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor for at least one year prior to the wedding date qualify for a member discount. Discuss this with the Wedding Coordinator.
Wedding fees include the following
- All staff costs (including honorariums for the officiating minister, wedding coordinator, and organist).
- Sound Technician
- Custodial/security coverage
- 4-hour rental of the facility (2 hours prior to service time and time remaining, not to exceed a total of 4 hours)
There will be no reduction in fees if the included services are not utilized.
Wedding Coordinator
Our Wedding Coordinator is Betty Jahnke. She or one of her associates will be primarily involved with you in the planning of your wedding at our church. She, or one of her associates, will also be present and in charge at all weddings and rehearsals held at the church. You can contact Betty by email at weddings@fccannarbor.org or by phone after 4:00 pm at (734) 429-0545.
Our Wedding Coordinator has established a lot of professional relationships with outside vendors such as photographers, florists, and event planners and would be happy to give you information if you are still undecided about such details.
Premarital Counseling
All persons (members and non-members) who wish to be married at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor are required to participate in premarital counseling with a professional counselor retained by the church.
The cost per couple is $495 for the 5 one-hour sessions and is the responsibility of the couple getting married. This fee is NOT included in the Wedding Fees paid to FCC. In some circumstances, another source for counseling is permissible. Discuss this with the Wedding Coordinator.
Meeting with Officiating Minister
After your premarital counseling has been completed, you will need to meet with the officiating minister two months prior to your wedding. Under special circumstances, and by invitation of the officiating minister, another clergy person may be permitted to participate in the service.
Music
We are fortunate to have several organists on staff and available for your wedding at The First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor.
To assist you in planning for the music at your wedding, please visit Music for your Wedding page.
Floral Decorations
Floral decorations are your responsibility. The wedding coordinator can be of assistance in recommending reliable people and informing you of policies of the church. We do not allow the use of wax candles. The church will provide fueled candles for the Altar table, the unity candle (if desired), and for the candelabras.
Additional information on Floral Decorations
Photography / Videotaping
The services of a professional photographer/videographer are your responsibility. The wedding coordinator can be of assistance in recommending reliable people and informing you of the policies of the church.
Professional videotaping is permitted and must be coordinated through the wedding coordinator.
Parking
Your guests need to know that parking will only be available off-site. This may include metered parking on the street or in a nearby parking structure. A parking structure is located one block north of the church on Maynard Street. You may also contact “Republic Parking Systems” at (734) 761-7235 and, for a fee, have parking meters “bagged” surrounding the church for use by your guests. Also visit a2dda.org/transportation/ to find additional information regarding parking in Ann Arbor.
On the day of the wedding, a very limited number of parking spaces may be available for your use in the church parking lot. The wedding coordinator will discuss this with you.
Obtaining a Marriage License
You should apply for your marriage license no sooner than thirty (30) days prior to your wedding date.
If either of you is a resident of Michigan, you must obtain a State of Michigan Marriage License from the county in which one of you lives. If neither of you is a Michigan resident, you must obtain the marriage license from the county in which the service is to take place. Our church is located in Washtenaw County.
For residents of Washtenaw County, the marriage license can be obtained at the Washtenaw County Building, Clerk of Vital Records office, 200 N. Main Street, Room 100, in Ann Arbor. Contact the office at (734) 222-6720 for a list of required documents you will need to bring with you when you apply, or visit their website at www.ewashtenaw.org and click the “Clerk/Register of Deeds” tab, then choose “Marriages – Applying for License”.