HOLY MATRIMONY AT ST. JAMES
The Church teaches that Holy Matrimony is a Sacrament, a tangible sign of God's grace. All who seek marriage through the Church's ministry are encouraged to approach their wedding with fitting reverence and care. We pray that everyone who participates in weddings in the Church will respect and uphold the sanctity of the occasion. The rector of St. James is the priest who normally officiates at weddings in the parish. Other clergy are welcome to officiate, with the rector's consent.
PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE
The Anglican Church requires that all couples be appropriately prepared for marriage, usually through a marriage preparation course offered by the rector. Couples will usually meet with the rector at least twice before the wedding.
LEGAL AND CHURCH REQUIREMENTS
Notice: Couples who desire to be married in the Church are required to give the Priest at least sixty (60) days' notice of their intention, to provide sufficient time for the required preparation.
Baptism: At least one of the parties to the proposed marriage must be baptised (in any Christian denomination) for the wedding to take place in the Church. If one of the two is not baptised, the rector must seek the Bishop's permission to officiate at the wedding.
Divorce: If either party has been divorced from a person who is still living, the couple must present the rector with proof of divorce to be married.
Consent: If either the bride or the groom is under the age of 18, no Licence Certificate will be issued without the required consent form, signed by the individual’s legal guardian(s).
Witnesses: The bride and groom shall each designate a witness (maid/matron of honour and best man), who must be at least 12 years old.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Civil registration of marriage is mandatory for all weddings taking place in the Province of Nova Scotia. The couple must purchase a Marriage Licence and deliver it to the Church Office at least 48 hours before the ceremony, or at the latest, at the rehearsal. Licences are available through Access Nova Scotia locations. Both parties must be present with appropriate identification when purchasing the Licence.
THE SERVICE
Order of Service: The wedding service will normally follow The Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada. A copy of the Order of Service will be made available for those who wish to make bulletins for the ceremony.
Communion: Baptised communicant church members are encouraged to include Holy Communion in their wedding ceremony.
Readings: Scripture readings for the service will be chosen in consultation with the rector. Couples are encouraged to have family members or friends read the Scriptures.
REHEARSAL
Arrangements for a rehearsal are made with the rector. It will usually be held a day or two before the wedding. All active participants in the ceremony must attend the rehearsal.
DECORATIONS AND CHURCH SET-UP
Couples are responsible for ordering and purchasing flowers for the wedding. Couples wishing to supply their own decorations or to use a commercial wedding supply service should consult with the rector regarding the suitability of their plans.
MUSIC
The church organist plays for weddings at St. James’ unless other arrangements have been made with the rector and organist. Our organists have first right of refusal for playing at weddings in St. James. The rector and the organist must approve all music chosen. Couples are asked to contact the organist, to discuss musical selections. Other musicians may perform suitable music at appropriate points in the service.
ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS FOR WEDDINGS
Marriage is traditionally celebrated in the Church building, and may also be held in another location, or out of doors, under certain conditions. Couples who so desire should consult with the rector as soon as possible regarding the suitability of their plans.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We make these requests to help maintain the reverential nature of the service. Care should be taken to prevent photography from distracting people’s attention from the service. Therefore, guests may take photographs as the wedding party enters and leaves the church, and during the signing of the register. A professional photographer may take pictures during the ceremony, subject to the direction of the priest. The rector will consult with the photographer before the service. A stationary video camera is also permissible. Immediately following the ceremony, the wedding party may return to the church to pose for photographs.
CONFETTI
No confetti may be used on church property. Environmentally-friendly alternatives such as flower petals or bubbles may be used outside the building.
RECEPTION GRACE
If you wish the rector to attend your reception, please be certain to send an invitation to him/her or invite him/her personally, and if he/she may bring a guest. Please ask in advance if you wish him/her to say Grace before the meal.
FEES & HONORARIA
A number of people give of their time and talent to make every wedding possible. They should be adequately recompensed. The table below gives a suggested minimum. Please place cash (rather than cheques) for each of the following in separate envelopes and give them to the Priest or the Church Secretary no later than the rehearsal:
$200.00 tax-creditable contribution to church (waived for parishioners)
$200.00 rector’s honorarium
$150.00 Organist
CONTACTS
Rector: Rev’d Dr Patti Brace 1-902-624-9021
Organists: Mark Eisnor, Sam Tidd
Office Administrator: Shaun Marek
1-902-624-8614
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St. James Anglican Church, Mahone Bay
The Parish Hall is available for receptions. Please contact the office for rental and catering rates.