Weddings at St. Peter’s

 

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Wedding Customary

 Congratulations on your engagement! Marriage is a sacred and life-giving relationship, and we share your joy and celebration at this decision. St. Peter’s by-the-Sea has a long history and so has been the site of hundreds of weddings over the past century and a half. We pray that God will bless you both richly throughout this process, both before the wedding and after, and we hope that this customary helps answer questions you may have about conducting a wedding at St. Peter’s.

THE CELEBRATION AND BLESSING OF A MARRIAGE

According to the Episcopal Church, Christian marriage is a covenant relationship between two people, proclaimed in a public setting. By covenant relationship, we mean a mutual relationship initiated by promises to love, honor and cherish one another for a lifetime. In the Episcopal Church we believe marriage to be a sacrament, which means we believe it is reflective of God’s relationship with us: characterized by trust, sacrifice, generosity and forgiveness. Through marriage, God’s grace is made known to us and through us in read and visible ways, and enables us to grow more and more into the man or woman that God has created us to be. A wedding is a liturgical expression of the sacrament of marriage. The couple are the ministers of the sacrament. The priest officiates and pronounces God’s blessing on the relationship, but the couple are the ones who proclaim the covenant. It is in their lives that the sacrament is lived out.

At St. Peter’s by-the-Sea all weddings are in accordance with the authorized liturgies of the Episcopal Church. They provide for some choices and flexibility, but beyond that, things may be neither added nor deleted. The guiding principle to remember is that marriage is a sacramental rite in the Episcopal Church, and a regular worship service of St. Peter’s by-the- Sea. If there is any question as to the permissibility of anything, it is always best to check with the Rector, or the priest who is officiating at the wedding. The canon law of the Church states that Holy Matrimony is a union “entered into within the community of faith.” It is expected that, under normal circumstances, those who marry at St. Peter’s will nurture their marriage in the context of a worshipping community. A wedding is a pastoral sacrament, which rightfully takes place where it will be supported through pastoral relationships and community worship. St. Peter’s hosts blessings of all couples, including those of the same sex. The ceremony for same-sex couples is distinct, but the requirements and expectations are the same for all considering marriage.

FIRST STEPS

It is advisable to verify the availability of St. Peter’s by-the-Sea and to “pencil the date in” by calling the Church Office. The couple must also make an appointment and meet with the Rector before any plans are finalized. The presence of both members of the couple at that meeting is expected.

ELIGIBILITY

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea is available for weddings when one or both members of the couple are members of St. Peter’s, or are active members of another Christian community or desire to become active in a Christian community.

REMARRIAGE OF DIVORCED PERSONS

In the Episcopal Church it is necessary for any priest to apply for and receive the Bishop’s consent prior to officiating at a marriage in which either or both of the parties has been divorced from a spouse who is still living. The couple do not need the Bishop’s permission to get married; rather, the priest must have the Bishop’s permission to officiate at the service. The priest is required to submit a written request to the Bishop including an account of the preparation of the couple for the new marriage. In cases where a previous marriage (or marriages) is involved, it is frequently the case that more time is required for premarital counseling. Divorced persons will be asked to discuss the previous relationship and reason(s) for the divorce. It will be necessary to present copies of all relevant divorce decrees. Unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, it is normative that there be at least a year between the date of the final divorce decree and the date of the proposed wedding. When there are special circumstances, it may be possible for a priest to receive consent to officiate at a third marriage, but that is by no means assured.

PREMARITAL COUNSELING

The Episcopal Church believes that adequate preparation is an important part of a marriage. According to canon law, an Episcopal priest is required to meet with the couple for counseling as part of that preparation. The priest who will perform the ceremony will want to meet with the couple for an initial session, and additional counseling sessions may be scheduled with the priest depending on the particular needs and desires of the couple.

INTERFAITH CEREMONIES

All plans for the wedding ceremony must be made in consultation with the Rector. Clergy from other churches in the Episcopal Church and other denominations may be invited to assist at a wedding, with the Rector’s permission. In cases of interfaith marriages, it is possible to include a religious leader from another faith.

LOCATION

While there is no hard and fast policy at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea that prohibits the Rector from presiding at weddings in locations other than St. Peter’s (e.g. an outdoor garden), it should be noted that the most appropriate place for a wedding is in the church. There are practical considerations, such as Altar Guild and the ability to control the environment. But, beyond the practical considerations, it is most appropriate to physically begin and proclaim the covenant of marriage in the place where it will be spiritually nurtured.

EUCHARIST

Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a meaningful way for Christians to mark the beginning of their married lives. The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving” and by setting the wedding in the context of the Eucharist there is a focus on giving thanks to God for the gift of love and for this relationship. Whether or not to have Eucharist at the wedding is a decision that should be made by the couple with the advice of the Rector or officiating priest. If Holy Communion is planned as a part of the ceremony, it will be available to all guests present who desire to receive the sacrament.

 SCHEDULING

At St. Peter’s by-the-Sea we do not have weddings during the forty days of Lent, i.e. from Ash Wednesday through Easter Day. While social custom clearly prefers Saturday weddings, there are no theological or liturgical reasons to prefer one day to another. Therefore, Friday and Sunday weddings are permitted. Weddings may be scheduled for any time of the day that is convenient and not in conflict with existing commitments. Saturday weddings may not begin later than 7:00 p.m. If two weddings are scheduled for the same Saturday there must be a minimum of three hours between the starting times, provided there is no reception in the Parish Hall following the first wedding. The first wedding placed on the Church calendar will have priority on choice of time.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

A marriage license is the instrument that conveys to the priest the authority of the state to officiate at the ceremony and to sign the license making the marriage official in the eyes of the state. Without a marriage license, the priest cannot proceed; it is illegal. In the State of Rhode Island, a marriage license may be procured no more than three months before the date of the wedding. The marriage license should be given to the priest at the time of the rehearsal. It is the responsibility of the priest to complete the license and return it to the County Clerk’s Office. If you have questions about the proper procedure, you are encouraged to call the Narragansett Town Hall at (401) 789-1044.

WEDDING COORDINATOR

A paid Wedding Coordinator assists the Rector and Church Office to administer all weddings at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea. This individual is a good point of contact for questions related to flowers, photography, schedule and facilities. She will be present at the rehearsal and wedding to ensure smooth events. Her time is compensated as part of the wedding fees.

PRINTED PROGRAM

You may request St. Peter’s create the printed order of service. Requests must be made at least three weeks prior to the ceremony. The bride and groom may choose to have a program designed and printed elsewhere at their own expense. The Rector and the Organist must give final approval for all information contained in the program, regardless of where or how it is printed.

PHOTOGRAPHY 

The couple is to give the name and address of the photographer to the church office so that a copy of the St. Peter’s policy can be mailed to them. As a sacramental rite of the Church, the marriage service is not to be interrupted or disturbed by the distraction of videotaping or photographs being taken. Photographs taken prior to the ceremony must be concluded 45 minutes prior to the ceremony for all ushers and 15 minutes prior to the ceremony for all other participants. Photographs may be taken before and after the ceremony, and as the couple enters or leaves the front porch. There are designated areas in the Nave where the photographer will be permitted during the service; no other vantagepoints are allowed, to minimize the level of distraction. The photographer should be instructed that flash equipment must never be used inside St. Peter’s at any time after guests have begun to be seated for the ceremony or during the ceremony itself. The photographer is a guest of St. Peter’s at the wedding ceremony and is expected to observe the rules adopted by the church. The photographer is encouraged to keep equipment with him/her at all times; St. Peter’s cannot be responsible for loss or damage. Because wedding guests occasionally attempt to take flash photographs during the marriage service, a sign will be posted at the church doors reminding guests that there are to be no photographs taken during the ceremony. Ushers will be asked to remind guests arriving with cameras that they are not to take photographs inside St. Peter’s once the candles have been lighted. Flash photography can be disruptive not only to the wedding party, but to guests as well. The couple – as well as the entire wedding party – can be helpful in encouraging friends and relatives not to take pictures. Flash photographs may be taken inside St. Peter’s after the service concludes and guests have left the church. Videographers are permitted in St. Peter’s in specially designated locations only. Video operators are not allowed to change the camera’s location while the service is conducted. In general, movement by the videographer follows the same direction as that guiding a photographer (see above).

FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

The Wedding Coordinator is responsible for all floral decorations in the church. Arrangements for all floral decorations should be made only after consultation with the Wedding Coordinator and should be delivered at a mutually agreed upon time. An information sheet will be sent to the florist with the St. Peter’s policy regarding flowers in the church. Flowers are limited to the altar area only. They should begin with the two main arrangements on the reredos (area next to the cross), with the possibility of two more arrangements (one on either side) in stands. Bows are not to be used on any arrangements at the altar. Floral pew markers are permitted. Tacks, nails, or florist tape may not be used throughout the building. In general, it is well to remember that St. Peter’s by-the-Sea is a beautiful building and that simplicity is the best approach to take in planning flowers and floral decorations. If floral decorations are determined to be inappropriate after they are delivered, the Rector and Wedding Coordinator reserve the right to alter them so they are in keeping with the standards for worship at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea. Candle poles are available for placement along the center aisle. Please consult the Wedding Coordinator for more information about this decorative possibility.

A kneeling cushion is provided St. Peter’s for all weddings. Because of the danger of tripping, the use of a “runner” in the aisle is not permitted. Please ensure that wedding guests do not throw rice, confetti, flower petals, birdseed or the like at any time. Similarly, the decoration of the church with flower petals is not permitted.

MUSIC

Wedding music should be selected with the assistance of the Director of Music (DOM). If the DOM is unable to play for the service, it is his/her responsibility to designate a substitute organist. Only music appropriate for an Episcopal worship service at St. Peter’s is to be used, whether instrumental, choral or vocal. It is important to remember that a wedding is first and foremost a worship service. There is much wonderful music appropriate for a wedding reception that is not suitable for a worship service. Music from movies, Broadway shows or popular culture is not suitable. The DOM (in consultation with the Rector) will be the final judge as to the appropriateness of all music used. Appointments to discuss the wedding music with the DOM may be made by calling the Church Office.

THE REHEARSAL

The time for the wedding rehearsal should be determined in consultation with the Rector or officiating priest. Rehearsals are normally scheduled for either 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. on the evening preceding the wedding. If there are two weddings scheduled for the same day, the first wedding to be placed on the church calendar will have the first choice of rehearsal times. No rehearsal will be scheduled to begin after 6:00 p.m. The officiating priest always conducts the rehearsal. Wedding consultants and/or florists are not needed at either the rehearsal or the wedding, though they are welcome to assist the couple before the wedding. If a wedding consultant is utilized, she/he works under the direction of the Rector and Wedding Coordinator. It is required that the couple both be full and active participants in the rehearsal. As one of the purposes of the rehearsal is to give participants a “feel” for the wedding liturgy and the space in which it is conducted, the use of a stand-in for either the bride or groom at the time of the rehearsal is not permitted. All persons associated with the wedding—readers, ushers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, musicians/vocalists, etc—are required to be present at the rehearsal. As those people from St. Peter’s who are assisting with the wedding rehearsal often have other plans for the same evening, it is expected that every effort will be made to start and end the rehearsal on time.

THE WEDDING DAY

In order to encourage timeliness and allow the Rector an opportunity to meet with the couple before the ceremony, the wedding party is to arrive at the church at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the service. The building is unlocked one hour prior to the wedding, unless otherwise requested. Specially designated rooms are made available to the couple’s parties for their comfort before the ceremony. The Rector or officiating priest will instruct ushers at the wedding rehearsal. Generally, ushers are expected to be in the back of the church (the front porch) 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. They are expected to begin seating the guests as soon as they arrive. The Rector and Wedding Coordinator will assemble the wedding party and space them properly for the procession.

ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGE POLICY

Alcoholic beverages are allowed at St. Peter’s in the Parish Hall only when the reception is to be held on the premises; all other usage is prohibited. No smoking is allowed anywhere in St. Peter’s buildings.

COSTS

Fees are charged to cover the costs that the church incurs for a wedding; namely, overhead and administrative costs, the services of the Sexton, Organist, Wedding Coordinator, Altar Guild, and others. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a place on the St. Peter’s wedding schedule; this will be subtracted from the total wedding fee. The remaining cost must be delivered to St. Peter’s no later than two weeks prior to the wedding date.