Getting Married at St. Mark’s
The Fellowship Center and Historic Church is available for rental for Episcopalian weddings. Please see details below as there are specific restrictions.
The Fellowship Center or Parish Hall may also be rented for wedding receptions. Please contact the church office for further information and rental rates.
Wedding Guidelines for Parishioners at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans
Marriage is a sacrament in the Episcopal Church, and it is to be entered into reverently and deliberately.
To keep to the letter and spirit of the above statement, we make the following requirements and guidelines for those seeking to be married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
- At least one of the two parties seeking to be married must be baptized, and the wedding service must be attested by at least two (2) witnesses.
- If not already members of the church, it is expected that the couple will begin attending St. Mark’s on a regular basis. The couple is seeking the blessing of the church and should be willing to offer their support to the church community in return.
- The couple must give sixty (60) days notice prior to the date they wish to be married. This allows for adequate preparation and premarital counseling before the wedding. Ninety (90) days notice will be required if one or both parties has been divorced. This is so the clergy will have enough time for counseling and obtain permission from the bishop for a remarriage.
- The couple will meet with the clergy for at least three (3) premarital counseling sessions.
- The St. Mark’s organist will be asked first to play at all weddings unless other arrangements are made with the rector beforehand. The fee will be negotiated between the couple and the organist.
- No fee is required for the clergy, but an honorarium or donation to the discretionary fund is greatly appreciated.
- A fee of $250 is required for cleaning, utility costs, and Altar Guild services.
- The couple will contact the head of the Altar Guild to make arrangements regarding flowers for the service.
- Flash photography is allowed during the procession and recessional, but not during the wedding service itself. This applies to both professional photographers and members of the congregation. Time will be allowed after the service for pictures.
- Couples may video their service if the video cameras are unobtrusive during the service and do not require extra lighting.
- The couple will sign a Letter of Intention stating they believe marriage to be a lifelong commitment and ask God’s grace to live into it.
The Rev. Patrick A Pierce
Interim Rector
January 3, 2023
