Wedding bells are ringing in New York state. Much media attention has been given to religious leaders and communities who oppose marriage equality, so GLAAD is lifting up the places of worship that are willing and excited to participate in the marriages of all couples.
There are many places of worship in New York that are excited about participating in marriage equality. If you want to host your wedding at a house of worship and receive a blessing on your marriage, then contact one of the many churches, synagogues, congregations, community centers, mosques, temples, or worship centers listed below. These are places of worship that would be delighted to host and officiate your wedding. See full list of places of worship
Albany and Northeastern New York
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Rev. Kathy Donley
275 State Street
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-5161
http://emmanuelalbany.net/
Emmanuel is a diverse and growing tapestry of faith, woven together in our common commitment to follow Christ. We are God’s many-hued children, gathering to celebrate, to struggle, to serve, and to tell the good news of God’s love in the Capital District and around the world. We are a Welcoming and Affirming Congregation, affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of New York.
First Lutheran Church
181 Western Avenue
Albany, NY, 12203-1215
518-463-1326
http://www.FirstLutheranAlbany.org
First Unitarian Society of Schenectady
Rev. Priscilla Richter
1221 Wendell Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12308
518-374-4446
http://fussonline.org
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
Rev. Samuel A. Trumbore
405 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518-463-7135
www.albanyuu.org
UU congregations have been at the front of the effort to win marriage equality. I and several other ordained clergy associated with our congregation gladly are willing to perform marriages. Our facility is perfect for weddings with a traditional New England sanctuary, our Channing Hall for dancing and receptions, and Emerson Community Hall that can seat up to 175 for dinner.
Holy Trinity National Catholic Church
Archbishop Richard G. Roy, OSJD
405 Washington Ave
Albany, NY, 12206
518-434-8861
http://aaa.NCCofA.org/holytrin.html
Holy Trinity National Catholic Church is part of The National Catholic Church of America; a Vatican-Free Catholic faith community that is fully inclusive of LGBTQ people. We meet for Sunday Mass at at a Unitarian Universalist facility whose sanctuary is available for rental to those desiring to be married there. We require that at least one of the parties to be married be a baptized Christian and marriage preparation is required. Therefore, I should be notified at least six months in advance of the planned date for your wedding. Any snail mail should be sent to us at St. Martin’s Priory,166 Jay Street, Albany, NY, 12210.
Journey United Church of Christ
Rev. Sandy J. Damhof
500 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, NY, 12054
518-727-7129
http://www.journeyucc.com
Journey is an “Open and Affirming” United Church of Christ. We are are new church start currently meeting in Delmar, but reaching out to the entire capital region.
UAlbany Hillel
Rabbi Nomi Manon
1400 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12222
518-489-8573 x24
http://www.ualbanyhillel.org
UAlbany Hillel is open to Jews of all backgrounds, specifically college students and young professions near the SUNY Albany campus. Rabbi Nomi Manon, the Executive Director, has performed many weddings for a variety of couples in, and outside of, the Albany area. Rabbi Nomi welcomes same-sex couples to contact her about their marriage plans.
United Church of Christ
Rev Tomi Jacobs-Ziobro
14 North Main Street
Homer, NY 13077
518-332-1296
http://www.prepare-enrich.com
I offer inclusive marriage preparation for all types of couples (same gender, interfaith, intercultural, blended families +) using Prepare/Enrich and I also train clergy in using this tool. P/E is a customized program that helps couples identify the strengths & challenges in their relationship and provides exercises that assists with communication and conflict resolution.