A Beautiful Church for Weddings
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. It is also a joyful celebration of the love and commitment between a bride and groom made in the presence of their families and friends. This happy day deserves great attention and preparation, not only for the party, but for the spiritual and emotional bond that is made with each other and God on your wedding day.
We invite you to consider our church for your wedding. Our Island church is indeed a sheltered place, a tranquil and holy place to begin a life-long journey of Christian marriage. The Church is a small country church built in 1893 that seats 125 worshipers. It has Tiffany stained glass windows over the altar and is a beautiful sanctuary for small to medium size wedding celebrations. There are wonderful country inns, restaurants, and halls available for Receptions on the Island. (Chamber of Commerce 631-749-0399.)
In order to have your marriage vows solemnized at St. Mary's at least one of you must be a baptized Christian. Remarriages are performed with the Bishop's permission. One month's notice is needed for first marriages and two months for remarriages. Of course, both of you must be legally able to marry in New York State and complete the premarital preparation, pay all fees, and sign this statement:
Declaration of Intention
We,_________ and ________ desiring to receive the
blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we
hold marriage to be a lifelong union of husband and wife as it is set
forth in the liturgical forms authorized by this Church.
We believe it is for the purpose of mutual fellowship,
encouragement, and understanding, for the procreation (if it may be) of
children and their physical and spiritual nurture, and for the
safeguarding and benefit of society,
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.
Signatures of Bride and
Groom_______________ _______________
Pre-marriage
preparation is required, and this takes place over three
meetings. Couples attend an initial meeting with the Interim
Rector, Fr. Dan Harris, to make plans, review options, look at the
service, reserve dates and discuss fees. At the initial meeting,
Fr. Harris will also provide the couple with a “Pre-marriage Awareness
Inventory” that both the bride and groom will complete independently
and return to the church. At a second meeting Fr. Harris will
review the results of the Inventory in order to assist the couple in
affirming their strengths and reviewing where they might use some
assistance. A third meeting is scheduled to finalize plans for
the service, including readings, music, flowers and any special
details. Fr. Harris is also available throughout the preparation
process either by phone or by appointment to assist in any way you may
require.
The Ceremony
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Book of Common Prayer normally includes the Holy Communion but may be omitted. Flexibility is allowed in designing the liturgy, although the vows must be from the Book of Common Prayer. All music selections must be approved; secular, non-religious music is discouraged. Video’s and photographs are permitted; however, during the Service no flashes are allowed. You may, if you prefer, hire a musician(s) other than the church’s organist; however, if she is available to play, her fee must be paid. Shelter Island has a florist and several photographers. Flowers for the Altar remain for Sunday Services.