Congratulations on Your Engagement!
Soon after the engagement, please contact the pastor for an initial meeting to schedule premarital instruction and the wedding date. You must meet with the pastor at least three months before the wedding date. Couples should plan to meet with the pastor six times to receive premarital instruction; some work outside of class will be required. Additional preparation may be required for those who have been previously married and divorced.
Christian Marriage
Christian marriage is a sacramental event. Marriage “signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and the Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.” (Book of Common Prayer, 423) Marriage is uniquely Christian when a man and woman truly seek God’s blessing on their wedding day and throughout their married life. Couples seeking marriage in the Church need to be attending Church. We adhere to the Mid-South Community Marriage Policy as found at www.midsouthmarriages.com
The Clergy
The pastor is in full control of the marriage service and rehearsal; no bridal consultant is needed. If assisting clergy from another parish or denomination is desired, be sure to discuss this with the pastor. The pastor will officially extend the invitation.
Music
The couple should plan the music with the church Director of Music Ministries as soon as possible for scheduling purposes. All music must promote Christian worship. A list of suggested music is listed below.
Previously Married?
If you have been divorced, you must bring a copy of your divorce decree to the first premarital instruction meeting. Readiness to remarry will be assessed by the pastor. Also, a waiting period of one year after a divorce is finalized is generally required for remarriage. According to the Anglican Mission Policy on Divorce and Remarriage:
We do not offer to bless or solemnize third marriages at their inception. However, after the completion of one year of marriage and with evidence of the clearly Christian nature of the marriage, a priest/presbyter may make a pastoral judgment and proceed with a blessing of the marriage. The policy of Anglican Mission in the Americas is that the priest should discern with the couple and certify in a letter to the Bishop that he believes that the third marriage should be blessed.
Marriage License
Be sure to get your marriage license within 30 days of the wedding. Contact the Shelby County Clerk’s office at 545-4255. The county will give you a $60 discount on your marriage license for completing your premarital instruction. Bring your marriage license to the rehearsal.
Use of the Building and Fees
The Altar Guild Directress will open the Church building two hours before the marriage service begins. The following fees may apply:
· If the reception is held at Faith, a $100 fee is charged for cleaning up. Make your check payable to Faith Anglican Church, designated for Wedding Cleanup Fee.
· Hiring an organist/pianist and other musicians is the responsibility of the couple; our music director will be a great help. Fees will vary depending upon the musician.
· A $35 fee is charged for the Prepare Inventory. Make your check payable to Prepare/Enrich.
· The pastor does not charge a fee, but often a gift toward his Discretionary Fund is given.
Photographs and Videos
Please encourage the photographer/videographer to take many of the photos before the wedding so the reception won’t be delayed. During the service photos may be taken from the rear of the church building, as long as the photographer is not moving around in front of worshipers. No flash photos may be taken during the service. After the marriage service, photos may be taken in the church building. During the service a stationary video camera may be used from the rear of the church building.
Alcohol Policy
Wine or a wine punch may be served in appropriate quantities at the reception as long as a non-alcoholic alternative is available. The alcoholic beverage may only be served to those 21 years or older. If anyone should appear to have had too much to drink, the serving of alcohol will cease.
Reading Assignments
Before your first premarital instruction meeting with the pastor, please purchase two copies of the book Preparing for Marriage by David Boehi. Read the assigned sections listed on the back, complete the exercises, and interact with your fiancé(e) to apply the material to your relationship. Come to the premarital instruction meetings with your books, prepared to share your discoveries and questions. Also bring your completed Wedding Information Form.
Premarital Instruction Meeting Topics
_________ 1st Meeting—Introductory Meeting
_________ 2nd Meeting—Christian Marriage
Take Prepare Inventory (Bring check)
_________ 3rd Meeting—Review Prepare Inventory
Readings: Intro., How to Use…, and Part One
Review Bible Readings for Wedding
_________ 4th Meeting—The Marriage Service
Readings: Part Two
_________ 5th Meeting—Readings: Part Three
Review Music Selections
_________ 6th Meeting—Wedding Rehearsals
Names and Numbers to Remember
Celebrant: The Rev. Herb Hand 755-4848
Church Office: 755-4848
Music Director: ______________________
Caterer: ____________________________ __________
Photographer: _______________________ __________
Florist: _____________________________ __________
Dates to Remember
Rehearsal Date and Time: _________________________
Wedding Date and Time: __________________________
Get Marriage License By: __________________________
For a downloadable PDF version of this file, including suggested music, click here.
