Applicants must be sponsored by a past or present Trustee of the Association and must be interviewed by a trustee prior to the wedding. If you do not know any of the trustees, for an interview call:

Mitzi Marsh:     978-356-4453

It is wise to plan an alternative site in case of rain.

The following guidelines are presented for those planning private services. In case of conflicting dates, preference is given to those associated with the Chapel and the Squam region.

Transportation to the island: If you will have private boats arriving with guests, you must arrange for persons from your party to help them dock. The caretakers have other duties and cannot be responsible for private parties. There are also boats you can hire. The docks may be used for scheduled private services from the Saturday two weeks before the first Sunday service of the season through the Saturday two weeks following the final Sunday Service. Although the docks may be in place before and after such dates, the Association cannot assure usability.

Services must be conducted by ordained clergy of a recognized religious order. Out-of-state clergy must apply to the New Hampshire Secretary of State (603-271-3242) for a permit. Please note that Church Island is not consecrated. The Catholic Church prohibits priests from performing ceremonies on unconsecrated ground.

Although the Chapel is not consecrated ground, it is exclusively for religious services. That is why services must be conducted by an ordained minister who must have absolute authority over the order of service and the way it is conducted. Couples who are merely looking for a pretty place to have a wedding party should not come to Church island.

Christenings are not conducted during regular church services.

The Association’s hymnals, microphones and amplifiers are not available for private services. Arrangements for the use of the organ must be made separately with an organist acceptable to the Association. Please call the office for the names of organists and organ pumpers. Use of the organ is not allowed in the rain. The robing hut is available for the use of the clergy; the key is available from the caretaker who is on duty on the island every day during the summer from Memorial Day to mid-September, weather permitting.

Liability. You assume full responsibility for, and agree to hold the Association harmless from, any injury, damage or loss associated with your permitted use of the Island, docks or facilities.

A tax-deductible contribution to help maintain the island, its docks, organ, pews and equipment is requested for private services. Suggested contributions are:

Weddings: $500

Christenings: $200

Contribution is due with completed application; your date is not reserved until both have been received. Upon request, the Association will refund all but $50 for canceled ceremonies if the private service is canceled before January 1. If the service is canceled before April 1, half the amount is refundable. There is no refund for cancellations after April 1.

Please see the checklist of Do’s and Don’t’s