Weddings
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Marriage is one of the most important commitments we make in life. We at St. Andrew’s Church are delighted that you wish to express that commitment here. We want to assure you that we shall do whatever we can to assist in your preparations.
Because marriage in the Episcopal Church is regarded as a sacrament, there are certain requirements which are set forth in the Canons or laws of the Church. In addition, this parish has its own guidelines for weddings held here.
The following describes these requirements and guidelines.
General Requirements
Church canons require that a couple give at least thirty days’ notice of their intention to be married, so please speak to one of the clergy as soon as you can. The date for your wedding cannot be confirmed until you meet with the clergy.
The Episcopal Church requires that clergy counsel couples prior to marriage. We take this seriously at St. Andrew’s and usually ask couples to meet with the clergy for at least three sessions. We will focus on the couple’s relationship with one another, their communication and preparedness for marriage and on the meaning of the theology and sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
It is also important to understand the liturgy for the service and the various options available to you.
To be married in the Episcopal Church, at least one of you must be a baptized Christian.
GUIDELINES
REHEARSAL The wedding rehearsal is an important part of the wedding preparation to ensure a smooth-running service. Rehearsals require an hour and usually take place on the afternoon of the day before the wedding.
LICENSE The marriage license maybe obtained in any town or city in Maine. If you are from out of state, simply visit this or any other town hall for your license. There is no waiting period for your license. Both must apply in person and both must have reached the age of 18 years. The license will be available on the day of filing and remains valid for 90 days.
Further information can be obtained through the Newcastle Town Office (telephone: 207-563-3441).
The marriage license must be brought to the wedding rehearsal and left with the clergy.
GUEST CLERGY The officiating minister is normally one of the clergy of St. Andrew’s Church. Before another clergyperson is invited to participate, the Rector of the parish should be consulted. An official invitation to participate will then be extended by the Rector. Clergy not resident of the Diocese of Maine must secure special licenses from the State and Diocese of Maine to officiate in the absence of a resident clergyperson.
THE LITURGY For the service here at St. Andrew’s the bride and groom are invited to use “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage” from the Book of Common Prayer (1979 edition) or liturgies from other churches or other sources. Among the several options you may choose for your service is the Celebration of Holy Eucharist. The Prayer Book service allows for an easy inclusion of this sacrament and it adds approximately 20 minutes to the length of the service.
MUSIC Normally the Parish Organist plays for weddings: Mr. Sean Fleming (207-563-2754). Please schedule an appointment with him to discuss music for your wedding.
All music should be consistent with the high standards of the liturgy and of good taste. Texts must be from Holy Scripture, The Book of Common Prayer, or texts congruent with them (BCP p. 14).
It is appropriate to recognize the corporate nature of the service by choosing hymns to be part of your wedding. A list of suggested hymns is available.
Any request for an organist other than the Parish Organist must be approved by the Rector and the Parish Organist. In such cases, a “bench fee” will be charged. Arrangements for additional instrumentalists should be made through the Parish Organist.
FLOWERS Flowers are the responsibility of the bride and groom. Normally, altar flowers are left at the church following the ceremony to be used for Sunday services.
PHOTOGRAPHS There are rules concerning the taking of pictures within the church. No pictures may be taken during the wedding service. Photos may be posed in the church before or following the service. A video camera may be used only with the permission of the Rector.
AISLE RUNNER While white runners are being used less and less these days, cloth runners only are permitted here. Please consult with your florist.
CONFETTI Confetti, rice, paper petals, and flower petals may not be used in the church or on the church grounds.
HONORARIA
Honorarium for the Church $ 300
This charge is only for persons who are not members of the parish and who are not current givers of record. Checks may be made payable to St. Andrew’s Church.
Use of the Parish Hall or Parish House $50
If a Reception takes place at the Undercroft, Garden, or Parish House, a donation for the use of the facility is expected.
Honorarium for Sexton (custodian) $50
There is an additional charge of $25 if the reception is at the church.
A check may be made payable to John Banta.
Honorarium for Parish Organist $200
There will be a $50 per hour fee charged for rehearsals and/or other musical arrangements.
Bench fee: $100
A check may be made payable to Sean Fleming
Honorarium for Clergy $400
This charge is only for persons who are not members of the parish and who are not current givers of record. A check may be made payable to the clergy officiating.
Pastoral Counselor fee per visit $80
All checks are due at the rehearsal unless other arrangements have been made.
Thank you.
revised: 1/2006