Marriages are a time of great joy and celebration which we are happy to be part of with you. Generally, weddings at St. Andrew’s are for members of the parish and their family members. But arrangements can be made for members of other parishes to be married here, provided the marriage conforms to the liturgy of the church and the specific policies of the parish. A series of marriage preparation sessions is required prior to every wedding.

 

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a couple in the presence of God. In the Episcopal church, it is required that at least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested to by two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church.

If either the couple is divorced, special preparation is required and it is necessary for the priest presiding at your wedding to receive permission from the Bishop to perform your wedding. This is a pastoral process, rather than a quasi-judicial one, and the priest presiding at your wedding can give you further information as to the procedures involved. We encourage you to see this as an opportunity to enter into a new marriage with the confidence that God seeks to bless you and that we wish to be the agents of that blessing in your lives.

 

If you are interested in being married at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea, the first step you should take is to contact the parish office for our wedding information materials (office{at}standrewslc.org or 401 635-2452) and to check on the availability of your anticipated date. Please be aware that until we actually receive your deposit for the wedding, the date will not be firmly reserved for you. Once you have received information from the office, it is important that you arrange to meet with the Rector to discuss all aspects of the wedding plans.

 

Wedding music is typically provided by our parish organist who will meet with you to help you select music appropriate to a wedding at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea. As a rule, use of the parish hall for receptions is available only for members of the parish.

 

Wedding liturgies at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea can easily be shared with clergy from other churches and other faith traditions. Because this can involve considerable consultation between the clergy involved, please allow plenty of time for this to occur.

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Wedding Procedures, click here:

Wedding Guidelines, click here:

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