Congratulations! We join with others in expressing our joy at your decision to marry and to celebrate your wedding Sacrament at Grace Episcopal Church. A relationship based on honesty, respect, and mutual admiration is a means of spiritual growth and happiness. We are honored to become part of the journey you have already begun and to join with those in your families and communities who look forward to celebrating your union. Here are some items for you to consider as you make your preparations.
“Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God.” These words from The Book of Common Prayer set the stage for marriage in the Episcopal Church. Any marriage is therefore celebrated within the Christian community and according to the rules, regulations and Canons of the Church and those of Grace Church.
The couple must first talk with the clergy about the wedding before any other plans are finalized. A wedding at Grace involves the participation of many different people with different functions and adequate advance notice is essential. While the Canons of the Church require a minimum of thirty days notice for a wedding, the Church needs arrangements made as far in advance as possible in order to avoid scheduling difficulties. At Grace, we require advance notice of at least three months.
Please contact the rector to express your interest in the sacraments of the church.
845-358-1297 or parishoffice@gracechurchnyack.org.
The Episcopal Church as a national body requires couples undergo premarital counseling. The couple completes a series of counseling sessions with the priest, preparing for the lifelong commitment of Christian marriage. When these sessions have been completed, plans for a wedding ceremony can begin.
Prior to the wedding, the priest will meet with the couple to plan the details of the liturgy and rehearse.
To be married at Grace, one member of the couple seeking to be married must be an active member of Grace Church. An active member is defined as a person who attends worship regularly and is a financial contributor of record. The Rector makes the final decision about these qualifications.
The “Declaration of Intention” which follows, must be signed by both parties to the marriage at a time prior to the marriage:
“We, desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong union of two people as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.
“We believe that the union of spouses in heart, body and mind, is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity, and when it is God’s will, for the raising of children, and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
“And we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek God’s help thereto.”
The couple may choose a photographer. They must inform the officiating Rector of their choice.
The dignity of a wedding service requires that no flash pictures may be taken during the service, with the exception of the opening and closing processions. Likewise, no movements of the photographer or camera snaps, clicks, etc., shall be permitted to interrupt or detract from the ceremony. The photographer is to check in with the officiating priest prior to the service to review these rules. One video camera may be set up only in the Octagon or back of the church with equipment that requires no additional lighting, remote microphones or remote cameras.
Pictures may be taken of the wedding party before and after the ceremony. All pictures taken before the ceremony must begin not earlier than one hour before the service and be concluded a full half-hour before the beginning of the service. Likewise, all photographs taken after the wedding must be concluded a half-hour after the ceremony.
The wedding rehearsal is normally held on the evening before the wedding. All members of the wedding party are expected to attend and to be on time. Each spouse is required to participate fully in the rehearsal. Except in unusual circumstances, the rehearsal lasts no longer than one hour. The rehearsal will begin at the appointed time. If there is a rehearsal dinner, it should be after the rehearsal.
All members of the wedding party, including both spouses, should arrive at the church at least one half hour before the scheduled time for the wedding. Failure to do so may result in the wedding being canceled.
The drinking of alcoholic beverages or the use of any drug by the either spouse or members of the Wedding Party is prohibited before both the rehearsal and the wedding. Evidence of intoxication or other impairment will result in the ceremony being canceled.
When available, the facilities of the Memorial Hall may be reserved for wedding receptions. These facilities must be reserved well in advance. In addition to soft drinks, coffee and tea, only beer, wine and champagne are permitted, and must be displayed and dispensed according to Diocesan guidelines. To serve alcohol, you must provide proof of liability ($1 million).
For fees for the use of Memorial Hall please consult with the Parish Office.
The participation of clergy from outside the parish must be approved by the Rector.
The clergy do not normally attend rehearsal dinners. If you wish the clergy to attend your reception, an invitation should be issued well in advance.
Required for all Weddings:
Church Fee: $600*
Nonmembers: $1,000
Clergy: $600*
Altar Guild: $200
Sexton: $250
Organist: $400, optional (Grace’s music director has first right of refusal if organ or piano is desired at the wedding. Additional fee of $100 for the organist if working with other musicians or attending a rehearsal)
Livestreaming: $150, optional (if available)
Please note: those items with an * may be waived for those who have been givers of record for at
least one full year prior to the date of booking.
Fees for soloists, choir or instrumentalists are to be arranged with the Organist/Music Director.
Reception: See separate room rental agreementSexton: Same as above