Dear Brides and Grooms:

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!  Please accept our best wishes.  The following information should answer most questions about celebrating your wedding service here at St. Peter's.

Our History

St. Peters has been the site of weddings since 1905. During that time, people have enjoyed the simple beauty of our chapel near the sea. In 1976 St. Peter’s became a year-round church, and we now have more than 900 baptized Episcopalians who call us home. We are an active and enthusiastic parish and would welcome your interest in becoming a part of our church family.

Who Can be Married Here?

Unfortunately, we receive more requests for wedding ceremonies than we can honor.  As each ceremony demands a significant amount of time and labor – especially from “behind the scenes” parish volunteers, we must operate within certain limitations. Our parish policy currently allows for weddings for church families, local newcomers, and those with an existing connection to our parish community.  If you are unsure how you may fit into these guidelines, please speak with the Rector or secretary.
Other considerations do apply: by Church law, either the bride or groom must be a baptized Christian, divorcees require special permission and preparation, etc.  These details normally are covered as part of pre-marital discussions.

Who Will Do the Service?

At St. Peter's our own clergy officiate at wedding services. However, we are committed to an ecumenical approach and welcome other clergy to assist. If you would like another clergyperson to assist, please speak to the Rector before extending the invitation.

Music

We have a high quality pipe organ, custom built in 1986.  It can provide quiet prelude music when the guests are seated; and a commanding, thrilling processional as the bride enters the church.

Our organist, Karen Crosby, normally plays for all weddings.  Please contact her as soon as you and the clergy have chosen the date and time for your ceremony.  If you would like other musicians as part of your ceremony, you will need to work through Karen.  She will help you choose music, set up practice times, discuss St. Peter’s wedding procedures, etc.  Should there be any question of suitability of any selection, the Music Director and Rector make the final determination.

Premarital Preparation

Anyone married in the Episcopal Church must go through premarital preparation. This process normally requires several sessions and is conducted by the officiant with the marrying couple.

Don't Forget the License

The wedding license must be brought to the church prior to the wedding. The laws of the State of Massachusetts declare that the officiant cannot conduct the service without a bonafide license in his or her possession. To prevent last minute crises, it is recommended that the license be dropped off or mailed to the church five days prior to the service. The license should be sent c/o the Parish Administrative Assistant, Allison Manning.

The Wedding Service

We use the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer for all our services. The Episcopal Wedding service in the prayerbook is both poetic and beautiful. It allows for great flexibility and various styles of weddings within a certain framework. (You do, for instance, have options; but not the option to “write your own” vows.) In the traditional service, the bride and groom select one or two friends or family members to read certain recommended passages from the Bible. The minister will go over the points of the service as part of premarital preparation.

Flowers

We welcome creative use of flowers at all our weddings.  However, St. Peter’s is a simple church and too many flowers can overpower it.  Dignity and understatement are the watchword. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of our flower plans, please speak to the Rector or the parish Administrative Assistant.

In every case though, all wedding flowers in containers must be left in the church for the following day's Sunday services.p> We also ask that no flower petals be thrown on the carpet.

The Rehearsal

It is customary for a wedding rehearsal to take place in the church on the evening before the service.  You will need to schedule the time with the priest to allow for the wedding party to be present (remember summer traffic!).

Photography & Videography

Our policy asks that no flash photography be used during the service. The flash is jarring and disruptive to everyone involved. Videography can be done at St. Peter’s (without external or special lighting source) if done inconspicuously. Please tell the officiant whether or not you will use either a photographer or videotapes so you can work out the details.

Photographers should plan on having 30 minutes to complete their work in the sanctuary after the service is complete and posing begins. In general, discreet non-flash photography can be taken at any time during the service if done inconspicuously. Be sure to inform the photographer and videographer that, if they have any doubts about how the officiant defines “inconspicuous”, they should check in BEFORE the service to avoid any awkward moments.

Are There Any Costs Associated with Weddings
at St. Peter’s?

Some standard fees apply. A fact sheet detailing all fees and recommended donations will be forwarded to you after initial discussions with the Rector. Unless other specific arrangements are made, associated fees (especially for musicians, sextons, etc.) are expected prior to the ceremony.

A safety note: Please do not plan on using a “runner” in the aisle. While seeming to protect the bride's dress in inclement weather, they actually pose a greater tripping hazard.

The Reception

Afterwards, if you wish the priest to attend or give a blessing at the reception, please issue an invitation or request to that effect.

You must meet with clergy before a firm date is set!  Make other arrangements (i.e. booking reception sites, etc.) prior to this at your own risk

Peace and joy,
The Clergy at St. Peters