Weddings

We are delighted that you are interested in celebrating your wedding at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. The church believes marriage is a deep and sanctified covenant: “Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the couple enters into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.” (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 861)

Recent Testimonials:

Thank you for making our wedding as magical as it gets. Everyone said the ceremony was the best they’d ever seen. We really were blessed to have all of you be part of this with us.

~ Christine & Mark

I wanted to tell you how pleased we were with the music for the wedding. The organ and trumpet sounded celebratory and perfect. Thank you for your expertise!

~ Marcie

Simon and I can’t thank you enough for officiating our wedding a couple of weeks ago! It was truly a perfect day and we are still glowing from all the joy of our wedding weekend. We are so grateful for all of the time and energy you put into communicating with us and planning our wedding day. We were so lucky to work with you. Thanks again helping make our wedding day so beautiful and memorable!

~ Simon & Heidi

My new husband Nick and I would like to thank you all for everything you did to support us during the wedding process. The opportunity to get married at the gorgeous St.Christopher’s and be married by Brian was not only an honor, but a pleasure. The ceremony was truly the highlight of our wedding (as it should be!).

~ Rebecca & Nick

Marriage is a sacramental rite of the Episcopal Church, and a wedding is a sacred liturgy. At St. Christopher’s, all weddings are done according to the rite prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), with appropriate dignity. All marriages are performed by the clergy of St. Christopher’s Church.

We also welcome same-sex couples who are considering marriage.

To be married at St. Christopher’s, at least one of the persons must be a baptized Christian. If one or both of the persons is divorced, the clergy must obtain the permission from the Bishop of Massachusetts in order to perform the marriage ceremony.

The decision to perform a wedding will be determined by the Rector after an initial meeting with the couple. Premarital counseling is required by Episcopal canon for all couples who wish to be married at St. Christopher’s. The counseling will be done by a priest at St. Christopher’s.

Fees

Usage fee exemption: Usage fees are waived for a person who has been an active, pledging member of St. Christopher’s for at least two years (An active member attends services on a regular basis.). However, donations are welcome.

Usage fees:
Church $1,500
Off-site $400
Chapel $500

Standard fees (payable by all):
Clergy $500
Sexton $200
Organist $350 (Additional $50 per hour for additional consultations with organist; rehearsals with soloist(s); special music.)

The Parish Hall may be used for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception for a scheduled wedding at St. Christopher’s. Arrangements should be made at the time the wedding and rehearsal dates are placed on the church calendar.

Parish Hall:
Wedding reception $750 ($200 for active members)
Rehearsal dinner $250 ($100 for active members)
(May be more depending on number of guests and setup required.)

A deposit of $750 is required to reserve your wedding date and should be paid once St. Christopher’s agrees to perform your wedding. The deposit is non-refundable if the wedding is cancelled less than six months before that date.

The balance of all fees is due in the Parish Office six weeks prior to the rehearsal. Checks should be payable to the individuals and mailed to the attention of Parish Administrator Bridgette Renaud. The church’s mailing address is 625 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633.

The wedding license is the responsibility of the couple. It should be given to the clergy before the rehearsal begins.

Music

The fee for our organist, Maury A. Castro, includes music consultation and the wedding ceremony.

Music for the service is chosen by the couple in consultation with the organist. Click here for a music options list. He will arrange for soloists and instrumentalists as requested. Non-classical music should be reserved for the wedding reception.

For the services of soloists: their fees vary and should be paid directly to them. Our organist will arrange and advise.

Any outside organist or musicians must be approved by the church organist.

Flowers

All floral arrangements and decorations must be approved by the church at least three weeks prior to the wedding.

Two matching arrangements are required for each side of the altar. If you wish to leave flowers for weekend services, please advise the office at least three weeks prior to the rehearsal.

Miscellany

The use of confetti, petals, rice or birdseed is prohibited in the church or on the grounds, as is the release of balloons. Aisle runners and unity candles are not permitted. No nails, tacks, cling or similar adhesives are permitted on the inside or outside of the church building.

Still photography and video are permitted with certain important restrictions. All photographers must report to the officiating clergy before the service for instructions. Flash photography, whether by the professional photographer or wedding guests, is not permitted during the service. With clergy approval, a stationary video camera (but no special lighting) may be used. Clergy are happy to cooperate in re-staging any part afterward for additional photographs.

No alcohol should be brought onto church property.

Parking is very limited near St. Christopher’s during the summer. We highly recommend wedding parties consider using a shuttle service or alternate form of transportation.

Would you like more information? Contact Parish Administrator Bridgette Renaud at 508.945.2832 or at brenaud@stchristopherschatham.org.