First Parish Church in Taunton welcomes the larger community to our facilities. We are an inclusive welcoming congregation. Our church has been performing weddings for members and non-members of different faiths for over 380 years. We are also affirming and celebrating the weddings of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We rent space for weddings, social events, and meetings. Our building offers:
A 190-year-old sanctuary that seats up to 300, with a magnificent hook organ.
A large reception hall
A large kitchen equipped with a 3 bay sink, and ample prep space
Weddings
The Sanctuary
Constructed in 1816, our historic Fourth Meeting House seats up to 300 people. We have eight beautiful two-story stained glass windows that surround the sanctuary. Those windows provide a litany of vibrant color that adds a warmth to the room that is unmatched. Each window is unique to our church and includes a Tiffany Glass window and a window depicting the history of the City of Taunton. The rear of our sanctuary has been updated to be an open gathering space. The pews that were removed in order to create the space, now make up the flooring as a way to tie the building's past, present and future.
Minister
The First Parish Church in Taunton minister is generally available for member ceremonies only. However, we will provide a list of experienced ministers available to officiate at your ceremony. If you have a minister or officiant you would like to bring in, they must meet with Rev. Rob Kinslow to go over expectations. Rev. Rob will then give approval.
Music
Our Music Director Greg Moses received his B.A. in Music from Rhode Island College. Greg is a pianist, vocal teacher, choral director, and instructor. If you choose to bring your own organist, they must be approved by our music director. If Greg is not available, he can provide the names of excellent alternate musicians. The church has a full sound system for your use.
Parking
The church does not have a dedicated parking lot although there is plenty of on-street parking and two public parking lots conveniently located nearby.
Site Assistance
Our building manager will assist you during your rehearsal — generally the evening before — and on the day of your ceremony.
Notes
The Sanctuary is handicap accessible.
We do not allow confetti of any kind inside the church. However we do allow flower petals or birdseed outside only.
We offer our large yard for photo opportunities.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Wedding Rental Fees
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 – $500
Minister – $500
Building manager fee covers custodial services: opening and closing, clean up, general building setup,- $100. Additional services – $25/hour
Sound Technician to make sure you and your music are heard - $100
Wedding total- $1,200. A non-refundable reservation fee of $600 (half of total cost) is due upon booking and will secure the time and date of your wedding. The remaining balance is due 1 month before the ceremony. Optional Services
Organist – $300
Organist with soloist, vocal or instrumental – $350
Hall Rental - $150
Kitchen rental – $75
Additional requested building manager services – $25/hour
Payments
All building rental fees are payable to the First Parish Church in Taunton. Payments to the minister, building manager, and organist should be made payable to the individual providing the service.
All final payments are due one month prior to your reserved date.
How to begin the reservation process
Please fill out the Wedding Reservation Inquiry Form. Our Events Coordinator will get in touch with you to schedule a tour and discuss your ceremony.
Or fill out the rental form below and email it to [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 614 Taunton, MA 02780