"Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of this church.
A priest or a bishop normally presides at the celebration and blessing of a marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist."
Book of Common Prayer, p. 422
GUIDELINES
The first thing to do is to call the church secretary to make an appointment with the rector of the parish. This should be attended by both the man and woman planning to be married if at all possible. The earlier the better.
Weddings are both social and religious events. The church has little to say about the social aspects. But the solemnization and blessing of a marriage is a worship service conducted according to the forms, canons, and customs of the Episcopal Church and this parish. Therefore, no public announcements or service plans should be made until after you have discussed the wedding with the rector.
CANON LAW
Canon Laws are the rules and regulations which govern the Episcopal Church. Marriage canons require that:
- The clergy be notified of the desire to be married at least thirty days prior to the date of the ceremony
- That at least one of the couple be baptized in any Christian denomination
- That premarital counseling be done by either the officiating clergy or some one approved by him or her
- That if either of the partners has been divorced, permission to solemnize the marriage be obtained from the bishop of the diocese where the marriage will take place.
WHO MAY BE MARRIED AT ST. JAMES
1.) A relationship with St. James Church is necessary for someone to be married here. Weddings are normally done only for those couples where at least one of the two is a member or has a historical or family relationship with St. James or who are in the process of becoming members of the parish. The church is not available for use by outside parties with no prior relationship to the church. Any exceptions are solely at the discretion of the rector.
2.) A Christian service is assumed. St. James is a Christian Church and the Rector is ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. It is assumed that those wishing to be married here wish to have an identifiably Christian service. Those wishing a secular service should not plan a church wedding, family wishes and social expectations notwithstanding.
3.) Interfaith marriages are permitted. The majority of marriages now involve people from other Christian denominations, and sometimes non-Christian faiths. The Episcopal Church will honor and perform such marriages. There is no expectation that the non-Episcopal partner will convert or raise their children in our tradition. This is a matter that should be explored during pre-marital counseling.
But marriage in the Episcopal Church is expected to follow the church traditions and the liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer. The Prayer book allows for alternative phrases in the exchange of vows so that a non-Christian partner need not solemnly swear in the name of the Trinity. Otherwise, all Christian customs and language will be observed.
4.) Remarriages are permitted under certain circumstances. According to Canon Law (see above), remarriage of persons whose former spouses are still living requires the written permission of the Bishop. The diocese requires a waiting period of one year after a divorce is finalized before such permission will be given. The priest must send a letter to the Diocesan office requesting the Bishop’s permission before agreeing to perform the service. A copy of the divorce degree must be included. The bishop will have to be satisfied that the former spouse and any children have been provided for and that the current relationship was not responsible for the failure of the previous marriage. Sufficient advance notice is required to obtain the bishop’s response. At least 90 days notice is recommended.
Third marriages are problematic and there is no expectation that permission will be granted.
SETTING A DATE
Dates for weddings are reserved on a first-come, first serve basis. The date must be established with the rector before making other arrangements. Weddings can be performed almost any time of year, with the exception of Holy Week. No weddings or other sacraments are performed on either Good Friday or Holy Saturday. Regular church services and other major festivals also take precedence.
PREMARITAL COUNSELING
Premarital counseling is required by canon law. This is normally done by the rector and involves three sessions. Religious preparation for the sacrament of marriage is begun by regular attendance at Holy Worship in an Episcopal church if possible. Counseling for those who live out of town can be arranged with permission of the rector.
THE MINISTERS
The rector of the parish presides at all services in St. James. The rector may invite other clergy to assist at his or her discretion. The invitation must come from him or her. Non-Episcopal clergy are not normally permitted to conduct services at St. James, with the possible exception of the Greek Orthodox community.
CUSTOMS OF ST. JAMES
Details of the customs for marriages at St. James can be found in the marriage manual which will be provided to the couple when they meet with the rector. Most significant are:
- Book of Common Prayer
will be followed for the form and order of the service. Self-written vows or deletions from the liturgy are not permitted.
- Non-Episcopal customs such as "unity candles" are discouraged
- Communion is encouraged but not required
- Photography is not ordinarily permitted during the service, either by guests or a professional photographer. Videography is allowed by arrangement with the rector.
- Music must be approved by the rector and must be religious in nature.
- A valid marriage license from the State of Ohio mist be given to the minister before the service, preferably at the rehearsal, or the wedding will not proceed. The couple and their witnesses must also sign the parish register on their wedding day.
- A reception may be held in the undercroft of the church, arranged either with an outside caterer or the Episcopal Church Women.
FEES
St. James’ Organist and Soloist by arrangement
St. James’ Altar Guild $50.00
St. James’ Sexton $50.00
Acolyte $10.00
A donation to the Rector’s discretionary fund is customary and acceptable. This supports the Rector’s outreach ministry to the community of Zanesville.
