The Rev. Dr. Diane C. Samuels, Senior Minister
Mt Sinai Congregational, United Church of Christ
233 North Country Road
Mt. Sinai, NY 11766
Phone (631) 473-1582
Fax (631) 474-0556
E-mail: mscc@mtsinaichurchli.org
Website: www.mtsinaichurchli.org
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Planning a wedding is a very special time and we hope that this manual will help answer some of your questions. Of course, we are always available to answer others that may arise.
Rev. Dr. Diane Samuels is a minister of the United Church of Christ which is a Protestant denomination of approximately 2 million people in the United States. As a member of the UCC, Mt. Sinai Congregational Church considers itself an inclusive community of God's people. You are more than welcome to visit and worship with us on Sundays at 9am and 11am.
Rev. Samuels has been performing wedding ceremonies for over 23 years. She has officiated at interfaith services, traditional Christian ceremonies and nondenominational ceremonies. In all cases she will create a ceremony that will be uniquely your own.
1. Book the date with the Minister
2. Schedule Premarital Sessions with the Minister
Premarital Counseling is not required but it is strongly recommended. It helps to build a strong foundation for your marriage. Please plan for a minimum of three sessions with the Pastor prior to your wedding. We use Prepare/Enrich, a survey that helps couples understand their strengths and growth areas .The cost for scoring the survey is $35, payable to "Life Innovations." You can take the survey online if you prefer. The counseling cost is $100 for unlimited sessions (no fee for members.) After premarital counseling is completed, the pastor will begin designing your marriage ceremony. We encourage you to participate in creating a service that will be meaningful to you.
3. Obtain the License
You are responsible for all legal matters and for supplying a valid marriage license from the State of New York to the Minister at the wedding rehearsal or at another point prior to the wedding ceremony. Both parties must appear together in the office of any Town Clerk in the State of New York to sign the affidavit for the license. Bring proof of your birth: birth certificate or driver’s license. An applicant under 18 must have both parents sign the license. The termination of any previous marriage by annulment, divorce, or death must be proven by documentary evidence. The fee for a marriage license is $40. This includes the certificate, which the Town Clerk mails to the newlyweds about two weeks after the marriage. The address of our local Town Clerk is One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 – phone (631) 451-9101. Please note: The license must be presented to the minister the night of the rehearsal or earlier. There is a solemnization period of 24 hours, which must elapse between obtaining the license and getting married. The license is valid for 60 days after the solemnization period begins.
UNITY CANDLE
If you wish to light the Unity Candle, please purchase the candle and two tapers at a party supply store, online store or through one of the catalogs the minister can provide for you. It is helpful for you to bring a stand or holders for the candles. Often the Unity Candle is sold as a set, including tapers and holders.
OTHER SYMBOLS
You may have ideas for other symbols to be used during your ceremony. Please feel free to discuss them with Rev. Samuels.
READERS/READINGS
The couple usually choose at least one reading. You may decide to have as many as four. Sometimes readers are chosen from friends or family, or even members of the wedding party. Otherwise Rev. Samuels is happy to do any or all of the readings. We have a small reading booklet with some popular selections available.
FOR MEMBERS
Minister No fee is required for the pastor however, an honorarium is customary.
FOR NON-MEMBERS
Minister $350.00 off site (If traveling more than 15 miles an additional $50 is required.)
PLEASE NOTE: All fees are payable in cash and your fees and license must be at the church the week before the wedding.
