Weddings
A small church wedding, the way you pictured it.
White clapboard, Gothic windows, a red door, and a bell that has rung for couples since 1919. If you've been looking for a historic little church instead of a banquet hall, you've found one.
No membership. No fee. Everyone welcome.
You don't have to belong to this church, or any church. We believe everyone should feel welcome here and be able to deepen their relationship with God through the sacraments. Pastor Hal takes no fee whatsoever. Families simply give whatever they wish to the church, and every dollar goes to the upkeep of this beloved 1919 building.
Why couples choose Riverside
What you get here that you won't get anywhere else
A room that holds 72
Every guest can see your faces. The sanctuary seats 72 in the pews with extra room at the back, perfect for weddings up to about 75, and just as lovely for a dozen.
The red door and the steps
The front steps and the red double doors are where every couple takes their photographs. In October the maples along the river turn red and gold behind you.
The bell
Given to the church in 1919, it's rung as you walk out married. Guests still talk about it.
A pastor who knows you
Pastor Hal meets with every couple before the day, more than once. By the time you stand at the front, he's telling your story, not reading a script.
Elopements and weekdays
Some of the most beautiful weddings here have been two people, two witnesses and Pastor Hal on a Tuesday afternoon.
A hall for afterward
The fellowship hall downstairs, with a kitchen, is always available for cake and coffee or a simple reception. For a larger party, couples hold the ceremony here and the reception nearby.
Or outdoors by the prayer garden
Weddings larger than the sanctuary holds have been held outside beside the prayer garden, with the trees and the river behind you. Weather permitting, it is a setting photographers love.
How it comes together
From first visit to the day
- 1
Come see the church
Reach out and Pastor Hal will meet you at the red door, show you the sanctuary and the hall, and talk through dates. Most couples book six to twelve months out, but shorter is often possible.
- 2
Meet with Pastor Hal
Two or three conversations in the months before. They're about marriage more than logistics, and couples tell us they were a highlight. He welcomes couples of every background, including different faiths and second marriages.
- 3
Plan the ceremony
You'll choose vows, readings and music together with Pastor Hal. Nothing is set in stone until you say so.
- 4
The rehearsal
Usually the evening before, about an hour, with the wedding party. Everyone leaves knowing where to stand and when to walk.
- 5
The day
Arrive early, take your time, and let the church do the work. Your photographer is welcome throughout. When the ceremony ends, the bell rings.
The ceremony
A traditional order, made yours
Thirty minutes or so. Every piece can be kept, changed or left out.
- 1Processional and seating of the families
- 2Welcome, opening prayer, and a few words about the two of you
- 3A reading or two, scripture or something that matters to you, read by people you love
- 4Declaration of intent and the giving of the bride or the couple's own words
- 5Vows, traditional or written by you, and the exchange of rings
- 6A hymn or a song, and if you wish a unity candle or sand ceremony
- 7The pronouncement, the blessing, the kiss
- 8Recessional and the ringing of the bell
Children, grandparents and friends can take part in any of these. Pastor Hal is good with nervous readers.
Good to know
The practical details
Decorating
The sanctuary needs very little. Flowers at the front and on the pew ends are plenty. No tape or nails on the woodwork, please.
Music
Bring a musician, a singer, or a playlist and a small speaker. Hymns sung by the room sound wonderful in this sanctuary, and Pastor Hal can suggest ones that suit a wedding.
Photography and video
Welcome everywhere, including during the ceremony. The best light on the front steps is late afternoon.
Parking
The gravel lot in front holds the cars of a 72-guest wedding comfortably, with roadside space for more.
Your license
Connecticut marriage licenses come from the Oxford Town Clerk and are valid for 65 days. Pastor Hal signs it on the day.
Vow renewals
Anniversary blessings and vow renewals are a joy for the whole congregation. Same red door, same bell.
Questions
Things families ask
Do we have to be members to get married at Riverside?
No. You don't need to be a member of this or any church. Everyone is welcome.
How much does a church wedding cost?
There is no fee. Pastor Hal does not charge. Couples give whatever they wish to the church, and those gifts go toward keeping the building up.
How many guests can the church hold?
The sanctuary seats 72, with additional room at the back. For a larger wedding, we have held ceremonies outdoors by the prayer garden on the church grounds. Both are lovely for much smaller weddings too.
Can we elope or have a very small wedding?
Yes. Weekday ceremonies with just the two of you and your witnesses are welcome.
Will Pastor Hal marry a couple from different faith backgrounds, or who have been married before?
Yes. Reach out and talk with him. He meets every couple where they are.
Can we use our own vows and music?
Yes. Pastor Hal will help you build a ceremony that is faithful and personal, with your vows, your readings and your music.
Is there somewhere for the reception?
The fellowship hall downstairs, with a kitchen, is always available, and we've hosted many coffee-and-cake receptions there. For a larger party, couples often hold the ceremony here and the reception at a venue nearby.
How far ahead should we book?
Six to twelve months is typical for a Saturday in spring or fall. Weekdays and winter dates are often available on shorter notice.
Get in touch
Talk with Pastor Hal
The best next step is to come see the church. Reach out and Pastor Hal will meet you at the red door.