If you’re planning a Catholic wedding in the Boston suburbs and St. Brigid Parish Church in Lexington keeps coming up in your research, there’s a good reason for that. It’s a stunning mid-century church with a warm, classic interior, walking distance to Lexington Center, and the kind of atmosphere that photographs beautifully in every season. This guide answers every question you’ll have, from the first phone call to the end of your wedding day. As a wedding photographer based in Boston, I’ve photographed weddings that start here and I can tell you there’s a lot to love about this location.
What Kind of Church Is St. Brigid, and Who Can Get Married There?
St. Brigid is a Roman Catholic parish church located at 2001 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington, MA. Only Catholic weddings are celebrated here. If one partner is not Catholic, a mixed marriage may still be possible with the appropriate dispensation from the Bishop, but you’ll need to discuss that directly with the pastor. If neither of you is Catholic, this venue isn’t a fit.
The church is part of the Lexington Catholic Community, a collaborative of two parishes: St. Brigid and Sacred Heart. Both fall under the same pastoral leadership and parish office, so when you reach out to plan your wedding, you’re contacting the same team regardless of which church you’re looking at.
How Do You Start the Booking Process?
Contact the pastor directly as early as possible. The parish office can be reached at (781) 862-0335 or at Info@LexingtonCatholic.org. According to the parish’s wedding planning page, couples are required to attend a Marriage Preparation program before the wedding and should reach out as soon as they begin thinking about a specific date.
Don’t wait. Popular Saturday dates fill up well in advance, especially in spring and fall. Reaching out at least nine months to a year before your intended date gives you the best shot at securing your first choice.
Is There a Residency or Parishioner Requirement?
This is worth asking about when you call. Requirements can vary, and the pastor will clarify whether at least one of you needs to be a registered parishioner, or whether non-parishioners are welcome to book. Contact the parish office directly for current policy.
What Does It Cost to Get Married at St. Brigid?
Contact the church for current pricing. The parish handles fees through the wedding coordinator, and figures can change. What’s typically included in a Catholic church wedding fee is use of the sanctuary, the services of a wedding coordinator, and often the organist. You’ll want to ask specifically what’s covered and what costs extra, including fees for the priest or deacon and any musicians beyond the house organist.
What Additional Fees Should Couples Budget For?
Outside of the church’s own fees, plan on budgeting separately for:
- Marriage preparation program fees (if applicable)
- Stipend for the officiant (priest or deacon)
- Additional musicians, soloists, or a cantor
- A marriage license from the Town of Lexington (required by Massachusetts law before the ceremony)
- Any ceremony flowers or decorations
For Massachusetts marriage license requirements, check the Mass.gov wedding guide.
What Does the Church Look and Feel Like?
St. Brigid was blessed and opened in 1957, and the interior has the feel of a well-preserved mid-century Catholic church. Visitors have described it as giving the feeling of stepping back in time, with comfortable pews and a sanctuary that provides ample space without feeling cavernous or cold. It has the kind of classic proportions that work beautifully for ceremony photography, with good natural light and clean architectural lines.
The church is also handicapped accessible, and the parish’s Keilty Hall, offices, and the main church building are all accessible to guests with mobility needs.
Does St. Brigid Host Wedding Receptions?
No, St. Brigid does not function as a reception venue. The ceremony takes place in the main church. Couples who marry here typically choose a separate reception venue nearby. Keilty Hall is the parish’s gathering space and is used for parish events, but it is not a wedding reception facility.
Many couples pair a St. Brigid ceremony with a reception at a venue in the surrounding Lexington, Lincoln, or Concord area. For inspiration on how that can work beautifully, take a look at this tented wedding reception at Pierce House, where the couple had their ceremony at St. Brigid before heading to Lincoln for the celebration.
If you’re still working through venue options for the whole day, our Boston wedding planning resources include a range of venue ideas and practical guidance for the greater Boston area.
How Long Is the Ceremony?
A Catholic wedding without Mass typically runs 30 to 45 minutes. A wedding with a full Nuptial Mass usually runs 60 to 75 minutes. Most couples choose one or the other based on personal and family preferences, and your officiating priest will help guide that decision during marriage prep.
Build your day-of timeline around whichever format you choose. A ceremony with Mass means you’ll need more buffer time between the church and reception arrival, so plan accordingly.
Can You Have a Ceremony Rehearsal at the Church?
Yes, ceremony rehearsals are standard and are coordinated through the parish. Your wedding coordinator will work with you to schedule it, usually the evening before or a few days before the wedding. This is your chance to walk through the processional, understand the cues, and get everyone comfortable with the space. Don’t skip it, especially if you have a large wedding party.
Can the Wedding Party Get Ready at the Church?
No. St. Brigid does not have bridal suites or getting-ready spaces. Plan to get ready at a nearby hotel, your Airbnb, or the reception venue if it offers early access. Most couples get ready off-site and arrive at the church fully dressed. Keep hair and makeup timing realistic, especially if you’re staying more than 20 minutes from the church.
What Are the Best Photo Spots at St. Brigid?
Inside the church. The sanctuary itself is one of the best locations. The aisle, the altar area, and the light coming through the windows all create classic images. The best light inside tends to be in the morning and early afternoon.
The front of the church and steps. The exterior of the building has a clean, classic Catholic church facade that photographs well for traditional formals and for the couple walking out after the ceremony.
Lexington Battle Green. The church is within walking distance of the Lexington Battle Green and Minuteman Statue, one of the most iconic spots in all of Massachusetts. This is a frequently overlooked resource by couples who don’t realize how close it is. The green has open space, mature trees, and a historic backdrop that pairs well with the church setting. Plan a 10 to 15 minute window after the ceremony to walk down here, especially if the light is good.
The surrounding streets and Lexington Center. The streetscape of Massachusetts Ave in Lexington Center has lovely New England character, storefronts, and sidewalks that work well for relaxed, natural portraits between the ceremony and departure to the reception venue.
Timing tip. Midday summer sun can be harsh anywhere outside. If your ceremony ends around noon or 1:00 pm, look for shaded spots or go inside for a few of the formals. Late afternoon and early evening light in fall is spectacular around this area.
Is There Parking at the Church?
Yes. St. Brigid has on-site parking, and the Yelp listing notes that there is “plenty of parking.” For a wedding with a large guest count, this is a real advantage over some urban church locations. Guests arriving by car should have no problem finding a spot.
Can Guests Get There by Public Transit?
Yes. MBTA bus routes 62 and 76 run along Massachusetts Avenue through Lexington and connect to Alewife Station on the Red Line in Cambridge. The routes operate 7 days a week, so guests coming from Boston without a car can make it work. Check current schedules at mbta.com before the wedding. For guests staying in Burlington, an Uber or car service is the more practical option.
Where Should Out-of-Town Guests Stay?
Your closest and most convenient option is the Inn at Hastings Park, a boutique luxury hotel at 2027 Massachusetts Ave, literally steps from the church. It’s the only Relais and Chateaux property in the Boston area and is an excellent choice for family members or the wedding couple.
For more affordable options with easy highway access, Burlington and Woburn (about 5 to 6 miles east on Route 128/I-95) have a strong cluster of chain hotels including the Boston Marriott Burlington, Aloft Lexington, Element Lexington, Hilton Garden Inn Boston-Burlington, and several others. Most guests will be comfortable making the short drive or getting a rideshare.
Working with Vendors at a Catholic Church Ceremony
Catholic church ceremonies have liturgical guidelines that affect music choices and ceremony structure. Your officiating priest will walk you through what is and isn’t permitted for readings, music, and decorations. Any musicians you bring in, including a string quartet or soloist, should be experienced with Catholic wedding liturgy.
For photography, communicate with your photographer in advance about any restrictions the parish has on movement during the ceremony. Some priests prefer photographers to stay in designated areas. A photographer who has shot at St. Brigid or at Catholic churches in the area will already know the drill.
Let’s Photograph Your St. Brigid Wedding
If you’re getting married at St. Brigid Parish Church in Lexington and looking for a photographer who knows how to work within a church ceremony and make the most of everything Lexington has to offer, I’d love to connect. Reach out here to check my availability for your date.
