Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We are glad that you have come to St. Mark’s Church to celebrate one of the most meaningful days of your life together. In the Episcopal Church marriage is a sacrament and must be approached with reverence. It is also a tremendous celebration of love. These guidelines are offered to assist you in planning for the big day. If you have any questions about anything written here, please do not hesitate to call the priest.
Appointment with the priest and premarital counseling. The couple desiring to be married should call the church office at least three months prior to the intended date of the wedding, four months if a divorce is involved. The priest must meet with you at least five times before the ceremony. The purpose of these meetings is to try to prepare you for marriage. We discuss the joys and difficulties of married life, what each of the partners brings to the union and the specifics of the marriage service. Please make appointments directly with the priest by calling in advance.Divorced persons. If one or both members of the couple have been divorced an additional month’s notice is required to allow the priest time to apply to the bishop for permission to solemnize the marriage.
The Service. The service is that which is found in the Book of Common Prayer. It may be used alone or in conjunction with the celebration of Holy Eucharist. There are opportunities for individual expression in the service which the priest will discuss with you.
The Marriage License. It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain a marriage license from the Town Clerk in any town in Massachusetts. The couple must apply together in person and there is a three day waiting period after the date of application. At the time of application each member of the couple must present a certificate indicating that a blood test was done within the prior 30 days. The marriage license is in effect for 60 days after the date of application. You should present your marriage license to the priest at least one week prior to the wedding.
Music. Susan Dearborn’s work telephone number is (617) 876-0934 (Monday through Friday) and her home telephone number is (617) 576-3205. If you want an organist at your wedding, it is your responsibility to contact her. If you want an organist other than the church organist to play at your wedding, you must get her consent first and you must pay her the standard fee even though she is not playing as per the policy of the American Guild of Organists. The organist is available for consultation and as a resource for finding other musicians and soloists. Music at a wedding should reflect the liturgical and sacramental nature of the service. The priest will discuss your music choices with you.
Flowers and Decorations. It is appropriate to have flowers on the two pedestals behind the altar. They are a symbol resurrection and new life. Flowers may be left for a Sunday service or taken to the wedding reception. Please let the office know of your plans for your flowers. The pews may be decorated with bows or flowers. No rice or confetti may be used inside or outside the church. Flower petals or bubbles may be used outside only.
The Aisle. The length of the aisle is 52 feet. There is an aisle runner available for your use at a cost of the $15 cleaning fee. The church has a seating capacity of 220 people.
Photographs and Videos. Please tell your photographer and videographer that they must call the priest prior to the service. It also would be helpful to inform them of these general guidelines which apply to them. Video and still pictures may be taken as the wedding party enters and leaves the church. No flash photography is allowed during the service. If the ushers notice wedding guests with cameras, they will inform them that pictures may not be taken during the service. The procession and recession may be video taped from the side aisle. Other video taping should be unobtrusive. Photographers should not move about during the service.
Fees. We hope that you will understand that there are significant expenses in operating St. Mark’s. We are proud of our beautiful church and we welcome those who hope to celebrate a wedding here. The Vestry has established the following policy for fees and services. The church fee listed below is waived for active members and their children.
Active membership is defined in the Parish By laws as follows: "Any baptized person of the age of 16 years or more, who acknowledges the authority of the Constitution of the Parish, and who declares an intention to aid in maintaining public worship therein, shall be considered an active member and entitled to vote in its affairs. Any member who, for the space of one year, shall have refrained from public worship and from contributing toward the support of the parish, shall be considered an inactive member."
Organist Fee: $150 Payable to Susan Dearborn Clergy Fee: $150 Payable to Rector’s Discretionary Fund.
* If the clergy is not the rector, payable to the name of the clergy person.Church Fee: $300 Payable to St. Mark’s Church.
* Applies only if the person is not a member of St. Mark’s
Parish Hall Fee: $30 per hour Payable to St. Mark’s Church
* If the hall is used for a reception.
Fee Totals $300 for active members of St. Mark's $600 For inactive and non-members