Old South Church Building Use

HOURS

MEETING SPACE

CONCERTS

PRE-SCHOOL

WEDDINGS
 

The Old South Church doors and Sanctuary are open seven days a week (except for national holidays) from:

• 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m or later on Regular Weekdays 
• 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. most Weekdays during the Summer and during School Vacation weeks 
• 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and 
• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. 

The Church has nine meeting spaces that are available for organizations to use for a building use fee that supports the operating budget of the church. If you are interested in having your organization meet at Old South Church, please contact our Church Administrator for more specific details at (617)425-5145. Among the many organizations that meet regularly at the church are: Alcoholics Anonymous, Amnesty International, Boston Children's Theatre, Long-term Survivors Support Group, Pride Interfiath Coalition, Poor People's United Fund, and Snowden International High School to name just a few.

The church's Sanctuary, Chapel, and Mary Norton Hall are also available for concerts and performances. Among organizations which rented these spaces for events this past year are: Boston Choral Ensemble, Chorus pro Musica, Perkins School for the Blind, Back Bay Choral, Handel & Haydn Scoiety, and the Art of Music Chamber Players. 

You may contact Church Administrator at (617)425-5145 for arrangements, fees and requirements.
 
 

The Old South Church Preschool program provides daycare services for some 40 families during the week in 3 age/room groupings (Blue Room, Red Room, and Green Room). Seven committed and talented teachers under the direction of Carolyn Davis, Preschool Director, provide a full program of support, education, and field trips. For more information, details on enrollment requirements, fees, or to arrange a visit, please call Carolyn Davis at (617)536-1970.
 
 

WEDDINGS AT OLD SOUTH CHURCH:

The Old South Church (Sanctuary or Chapel) has long been a favored location for weddings. The Church welcomes couples of Christian traditions and backgrounds seeking a Christian service of marriage. A wedding in this church is first and foremost a service of worship, celebrating the presence and asking the blessing of God. If you are interested in further details and fees, please contact Church Administrator at (617)425-5145 to discuss the desired date and time of your wedding and to be sent a wedding application, which is to be returned along with a non-refundable deposit. To respect the Church's Sunday morning worship, the latest starting time of a Saturday wedding service may be 5:00 p.m. A Sunday afternoon wedding may begin no earlier than 3:00 p.m.

 The Old South Church in Boston proclaims the equal rights of all people including the legal right for individuals to marry the person of their choice. 

We anticipate that all couples will work closely with an Old South minister who will contact you after a wedding date has been confirmed and the application returned with deposit amount. Wedding Services may be jointly officiated by an Old South minister and another clergy member. The couple will meet with the minister for premarital counseling. The minister will guide the couple through the understandings of Christian marriage, the form and shape of the service, and the couple's thoughts and feelings about marriage. This opportunity to get to know the couple is welcomed by the minister.

In keeping with the musical tradition of Old South Church and dignity of the occasion, the Old South Organist and Music Director will provide organ music for your wedding (or he will secure a substitute). Additional options for vocal soloist or instrumentalist can also be arranged if you desire. Musical selections are to be of a religious/classical nature as approved by Old South's Director of Music. Show tunes and popular songs are not appropriate, nor are "boom boxes" or electric keyboards.

Because of our downtown location, Old South is unable to provide parking for the wedding party, photographer, florist or guests. Likewise, we are not permitted to block off spaces on Boylston Street. However, several garages are located within walking distance of the church. Photographs may be taken either immediately before or after the ceremony. Flash photography is only permitted during the processional and recessional of the wedding service (or not at all if your photographer wishes). Videography of the ceremony should be approved in advance by the officiating minister.

The church will be open one and a half hours before your wedding is scheduled to begin. The wedding party should arrive at the Church forty minutes before the service. A wedding rehearsal is usually held a day or two before the wedding.