Use Our Building

Building use - one-time
Building use - ongoing
Weddings
Funerals/Memorials

Using Our Building

Welcome to Westminster Presbyterian Church!

Our congregation is proud to serve as the steward of a beautiful, historic church building in the heart of Albany. Our care of our building is one way we care for our neighborhood and our city. We share our facilities with groups and individuals in the community as a way to “seek the welfare of the city…and pray to the Lord on its behalf” because we know that “in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Click on the button below to see a calendar of building use. You can check to see if the date you are requesting is available.

Building Use Calendar

Building Use for One-time Events

If you would like to host a one-time event at Westminster such as a concert, talk, meeting, lobby day, etc. please read carefully the terms outlined here:

Building Use Agreement for One-time Events

Then, submit a request here:

Building Use Request Form

Building Use for Ongoing Events

Westminster is widely used by groups and organizations in our community for meetings, classes and other regularly occurring events. We love being a resource to our community! If you are interested in exploring an ongoing relationship with us, please read carefully the terms outlined here:

Building Use Agreement for Ongoing Events

Then, contact our Church Administrator at [email protected]. Please provide information about your group’s mission as well as the days, times and rooms you are requesting.

Weddings at Westminster

Westminster Presbyterian Church of Albany, NY
Wedding Policy
Approved by the Westminster Session March 12, 2024

Celebrating Love:

Westminster Presbyterian Church is a congregation centered on the two things that Jesus said are most important: loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are honored to offer our historic sanctuary and intimate chapel for ceremonies that celebrate love, whether you are members of our congregation or not. If you’re about love then we have something very important in common.

Fully Inclusive:

Westminster embraces a welcoming and inclusive spirit, extending heartfelt invitations to couples of all faith traditions and those without religious affiliation.

We also proudly affirm and celebrate LGBTQ+ couples, recognizing their right to marry with dignity and joy.

Tailoring Your Ceremony:

Our Minister is available to officiate (or co-officiate) weddings for church members and their close family members with Session approval. We also have a network of ordained clergy and wedding officiants who can customize your ceremony to fit your unique wishes. If you prefer to bring your own officiant, please discuss this option with our office for the necessary approvals.

Accommodating Your Needs:

Whether you envision a grand ceremony in our spacious sanctuary or a more intimate gathering in the chapel, we have the perfect setting for your special day. We have an amazing organ and a grand piano in the sanctuary and a baby grand piano in the chapel. Let us know if you would like to hire our organist to accompany your ceremony. You are also welcome to bring in your own accompanist to play piano.

For smaller receptions, our Fellowship Hall provides a beautiful and convenient option. Please see our Building Use Policy (located at the top of this page) for more details.

There is a handicapped accessible ramp leading to one of the State Street doors to our sanctuary and a small elevator connects our main floor to the lower level where you will find a handicapped accessible bathroom. Contact us to discuss additional facilities and logistical details.

Planning and Fees:

To schedule a tour and discuss your wedding plans, please email our Church Administrator at [email protected]. We will guide you through the process and happily address any questions you may have. Specific fees associated with weddings are listed below.

We require a $300 non-refundable deposit to reserve your wedding date on our calendar.

Click here for our wedding fee structure

Funerals or Memorial Services at WPC

The worship service in the Presbyterian Church upon the occasion of death is called A Witness to the Resurrection. It is a service that seeks to touch on all the thoughts and emotions that family and friends may experience at the time of death: sorrow, loss, and grief; but also gratitude and hope.

  • Our tradition allows for either a memorial service (where the casket is not present) or a funeral (where the casket is present). In the case of a funeral, we require that the casket be closed.
  • The pastor will plan the service in consultation with the family but will have the final say as to the order, content of, and the participants in the service.
  • Family members may speak at the service but should feel no obligation to do so.
  • Other pastors or religious leaders may participate with the approval of Westminster clergy.
  • The Music Director will assist the family in finding an organist, pianist and/or soloist for the service. On rare occasions, the Westminster choir may perform.

We do not charge any fee for memorial or funeral services for members of our congregation or their immediate families. We honor and appreciate the support our members give our congregation through their pledges and offerings.

For those who do not already support our congregation financially, we charge the following:

  • Pastor: $200
  • Organist*: $200
  • Sexton: $100
  • Building fee: $100

*Additional fees may be required for special music or rehearsals.

Payment should be made by cash or check at the time of the service.

Please contact the church office for information about any related fees for memorial and funeral services at Westminster: [email protected] / 518-436-8544

Updated 9/30/2025