Weddings and Rentals
First Unitarian rents its facilities to the larger community for weddings. Of course, we welcome wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples!
Couples can exchange vows amidst the grandeur of this historic landmark steeped in over 200 years of rich tradition. With its stunning architecture it provides the perfect canvas for your dream wedding.
The historic meeting house boasts a magnificent center aisle, balcony, and a stunning dome with a chandelier, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your “I dos.” This historic space can seat up to 830 guests, creating a truly grand atmosphere for your wedding ceremony. Capture timeless memories with photos on the church’s beautiful marble steps with the steeple as a majestic backdrop. This welcoming venue offers a breathtaking space to accommodate weddings of all sizes, ensuring a truly unforgettable celebration for you and your loved ones.
First Unitarian Church welcomes couples of all faiths and backgrounds to celebrate their love. Their dedicated team is committed to ensuring your ceremony reflects your unique vision and values.
Wedding Rental Fees
Ceremony total cost – $1,250
To schedule your wedding, contact communications@firstunitarianprov.org or call 401-421-7970.
Includes:
- Sanctuary rental fee includes the wedding rehearsal, the hour before the wedding for your florist and guests to arrive, and the hour of the wedding
- Minister (or bring your own!)
- Building manager fee covers custodial services: opening and closing, helping with setup, insuring cleanliness, turning on heat and lights, cleanup, and insuring security. Any additional services – $25/hour
- Reservation fee, non-refundable, secures time and date on our church calendar – $50
- Date effective: June 2024
Optional Services
- Organist – $300
- Organist with soloist, vocal or instrumental – $350
- Additional requested building manager services – $25/hour
Interested in having your reception at First U? Give us a call! We have a beautiful light-filled atrium and can accommodate receptions up to 75-100 people.
For more than 200 years, First Unitarian has hosted wedding ceremonies for members and non-members of differing faiths.
Sanctuary
Constructed in 1816, our historic Meeting House seats up to 830 people. Rental includes use of organ and piano. For small ceremonies, our antique-filled parlors and elegant glass-walled atrium are available.
Ministers
The First Unitarian Senior Minister is generally available for member ceremonies only, but our Assistant Minister is available for outside weddings. If you have a minister you would like to bring in, we will provide you with additional information.
Music
Our Interim Music Director, Beth Armstrong, can work with you to help plan for music. We currently do not have a permanent organist/pianist, but Beth can help you find a qualified accompanist. The church has a sound system for your use.
Parking
Our parking lot beside the church provides parking spaces for 25 cars. There is plenty of on-street parking on the weekends.
Site assistance
Our building manager will assist you during your rehearsal — generally the evening before — and on the day of your ceremony.
Notes
- All buildings are accessible.
- We do not allow confetti of any kind inside the church but do allow flower petals or birdseed outside.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Non-Wedding Rental Fees
- Use of the Meeting House sanctuary – $150/hour
- Use of the auditorium – $75/hour
- Use of the Parish House for a reception, 4 hours maximum – $250/hour
- Use of a parlor or classroom – $25/hour
- Additional services of building manager – $25/hour
- Organist, optional – $300/event
- Organist with vocal or instrumental soloist – $350/event
- Non-refundable fee reserves date on church calendar – $50; $250 for receptions.
Payments
- All building rental fees are payable to the First Unitarian Church of Providence, or can be paid online or by phone with credit card. Payments to the minister, building manager, and organist should be made payable to the individual providing the service.
- All final payments are due two weeks prior to your reserved date.
Our Facilities
First Unitarian welcomes the larger community to our facilities. We rent space for weddings, social events, and meetings. Our buildings include:
- A 200-year-old sanctuary in our Meeting House that seats up to 830, with a magnificent pipe organ featuring 52 ranks of pipes, and a grand piano
- A Parish House with antique parlors and reception spaces
- A two-story, light-filled atrium for receptions
- Conference rooms
- An auditorium with stage
- Modern classrooms
- Elevator access for upper levels
Meeting House
The 200-year-old Meeting House houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by a raised mahogany pulpit. Four colossal fluted columns support a balcony around three sides of the space and a shallow dome from which a three-tiered, gilded chandelier is suspended. Two-story arched windows flood the sanctuary with light. Boxed pews are divided by three aisles. The balcony opposite the pulpit holds a pipe organ. The largest bell ever cast by the Paul Revere foundry hangs in the 189-foot steeple.
Parish House and Religious Education Wing
The Parish House contains multiple Victorian parlors, with an auditorium plus stage on the second floor.
A modern addition to the Parish House, the Religious Education Wing (or Parish House Annex), includes a large, bright two-story atrium for receptions and art exhibits, church offices, and conference rooms. Second and third floors, fully accessible by elevator, house spacious modern classrooms.