Weddings

The First Unitarian Society welcomes couples to rent church space for their wedding regardless of race, nationality, religion, or gender. Though the minister is only available to perform weddings for members, there is a community minister affiliated with the congregation who may be available to counsel and perform a ceremony for couples wishing to be married at FUUSN.

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Performing the ceremony

Couples who wish to arrange for an officiant not connected with the society to perform the ceremony need to arrange for that person to contact the minister as soon as possible by having him or her contact us to make arrangements.

For for those wishing to have a wedding and reception in the same space, there is a Parish Hall and fully equipped (except for dishes, cutlery, and glassware) kitchen.

Couples who wish to have live music performed for their ceremony need to contact the society’s Director of Music Ministry.

FUUSN’s beadle may be hired to help make coffee and run the dishwasher.

To rent space for weddings

Contact FUUSN’s Office Administrator, 617-527-3203, to secure space at the society for a wedding.

Weddings have a special set of considerations including how one arranges for an officiant to perform the ceremony and who may make use of the piano and organ. Please call as much in advance as possible to see if space is available.

All rules of building use apply. Be sure to obtain a Building Use form from the FUUSN administrative office and either drop off or mail the filled-out form with a $100 deposit to the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02465.  Checks should be made payable to the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton. Final payment must be received on or before the date of use. FUUSN reserves the right to rescind or reassign the space should it be needed for a memorial service and reception.

As a privilege of membership, FUUSN members may use the space for an adjusted fee. The following rooms are available for the fees mentioned:

  • The Sanctuary* seating capacity is 550 on the floor and 68 in the upstairs gallery. The use of this space must be in keeping with its historic purpose. Fee: $800.
  • The Parish Hall* has a capacity of 160-180. Tables and chairs are available. This space may be rented with or without the kitchen. Fee: $300.
  • The Downstairs Kitchen* can be rented with the Alliance Room, Parish Hall, or Sanctuary. Fee: $100

*These spaces are rented with the understanding that the reserved space may be withdrawn should it be needed for a deceased member’s memorial service and reception. All equipment in these spaces must be used in compliance with the posted operating instructions. Do not leave food in the refrigerator. The space must be cleaned and trash bagged and removed.