St. Peter's By The Sea

Wedding Policies

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart and mind and will, and with the intent that it be lifelong. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian, that two persons witness the ceremony, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the Canons of this Church.

Parish Policy

Scheduling: St. Peter’s performs over 20 weddings a year, so the sooner you start planning the better. In keeping with the spiritual and liturgical life of the Church, we prefer not to solemnize marriages during the season of Lent.

Officiant: Typically, a St. Peter’s Priest officiates at all weddings. In mutual respect for the spiritual diversity of Christian and other religious traditions, assisting clergy are welcome to take part in the ceremony. At St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea we solemnize marriage in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, which includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Counseling: The couple is required to have ~3 hours of premarital counseling to consider the nature and meaning of marriage and their relationship with God and the Church. Whether the sessions are conducted by a clergyperson or a lay counselor, that person should send a letter to our Priest attesting to the preparation.

Second Marriages: When one or both of the parties has had a previous marriage annulled or dissolved, our Priest must consult with and obtain the consent of the Bishop of Rhode Island. The couple must provide a copy of the final decree of annulment or divorce for our Priest’s files.

Deposit: To be placed on St. Peter’s wedding schedule, we require a non-refundable deposit of $600. This deposit is subtracted from the wedding fee.

Wedding Fee: This $1220 fee includes use of the church, the Priest’s time for the rehearsal and performing the wedding service, administrative staff, heating/cooling, electricity and overhead.

Charity Fund: We also ask that the couple make an offering to St. Peter’s Discretionary Fund, which is used primarily to provide charity to those in need. The typical donation is $150.

Music: St. Peter’s Music Director handles all matters concerning music for the weddings. The Music Director’s $250 fee includes music at the wedding, rehearsal if necessary, and rehearsal with a soloist or instrumentalist. (Note: When the couple invites another organist to play at the wedding, the fee is still due to the St. Peter’s Music Director.)

Sexton: The Sexton is responsible for preparing the church, ringing the church bells, and clean up. There is a $75 fee for his services.

Acolyte: An acolyte is assigned to assist with Holy Eucharist and receives a $10 “tip” for their assistance.

Payments: Please send payments to the church office at least two weeks before the wedding.

Rehearsal: Bring the marriage license to the wedding rehearsal. There is a $25 late fee when the wedding rehearsal does not start on time.

Flowers: If the couple desires flowers, they should make arrangements with a florist and consult with the parish office concerning delivery times. Customarily the wedding flowers are left on the altar after the ceremony.

Photography: Photography equipment and video cameras may be used during the ceremony, provided they do not in any way cause distraction or obstruct the guests’ view of the ceremony. Photographers must consult with the Priest before the ceremony.

Receptions: The parish hall is available for catered receptions. Alcoholic beverages can be served, but cannot be sold, in the hall.

Farewell: Please ensure that wedding guests do not throw rice, confetti, flower petals, birdseed or the like at any time. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

In the preparation for the wedding ceremony, the Priest and staff will consider instructions and directions personally and directly received only from the bride and groom.

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