| Weddings at St. James' |
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The following information will provide you with guidelines and procedures for Holy Matrimony at
St. James’ Church. Some of the guidelines are parish policies and some are canonical
requirements of The Episcopal Church. We have established a tradition of reverent and
beautiful wedding services by maintaining a consistent adherence to these policies and
procedures.
Weddings at St. James’ Church are performed using the Book of Common Prayer.
You may include St. James’ in your wedding plans by calling the Church Office to schedule an
appointment. We will schedule your joyful day on the church calendar and also at that time
schedule an appointment for our rector. Our rector wants to get to know you and help make
your day as special as possible.
Once the dates are set for the wedding, our Parish Wedding Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Shrader,
will guide you through the numerous details associated with planning a wedding. An
appointment should be made with Mrs. Shrader to begin this planning process.
St. James Church:
Parish Administrator - 540-347-4342
Fax - 540-347-3293
E-mail - admin@saintjameswarrenton.org
Wedding Coordinator:
Grace Shrader
Organist:
Richard Ford
The wedding date is not confirmed until the priest has
1. Agreed to conduct the wedding and has set the date,
2. Received the signed Acceptance of Conditions and Fees (page 4), and
3. Received the Church honorarium of $700 payable to St. James’ Church, and the
Organist's fee of $275 by check made payable to Richard Ford
Information, Policies & Fees
1. Church Honorarium & Fee Schedule
Church honorarium is $700
Payable to: St. James’ Church
Clergy honorarium is $350
Payable to: Rector’s Discretionary Fund
The Organist’s fee is $275
Payable to: Richard Ford
Cleaning fee is $100 church
Payable to: St. James’ Church
FOCCUS Fee $15 online or $20 mail
Payable to: St. James’ Church
2. Music
Requests for guest musicians must be made to the St James’ Organist/ Choirmaster. Musicians
so approved must comply with all parish policies and decisions of the Rector and the
Organist/Choirmaster. No CD’s and music must be submitted to the organist for approval:
Classical and sacred music only. Vocalist will need to meet with the organist.
3. Wedding Consultants
Contact the St. James’ Wedding Consultant immediately after you have scheduled your wedding
date. The Wedding Consultant will provide important information regarding the conduct of the
service. The couple must agree with St. James’ Wedding Consultant standards and adhere to
them.
4. Altar Flowers
Flower arrangements for all services are displayed in two church urns, which will be placed by a
member of the Altar Guild. Most local florists are aware of our parish policies concerning the use
of flowers at St. James’. Potted plants may not be used. If small bouquets are to be placed on
the pews, they must be tied or wired. Tape or clay may not be used.
Flowers in the vases cannot be taller than 35 inches. Specification should be discussed with the
Wedding Coordinator.
The measurements of the vases and liners are:
Church: vases are 12” tall and the liners are 8” tall
Chapel: vases are 10” tall and the liners are 7” tall
5. Rehearsals
A rehearsal with the wedding party, Wedding Coordinator, and Organist is usually conducted the
day before the wedding. The rehearsal date and time will be set at the time you schedule the
wedding date. The rehearsal needs to begin promptly at the designated time, and will generally
take about one hour.
6. Seating Capacity
The maximum seating in the nave is 280. Seating in the chapel is 60.
7. Marriage License
Bring your license to the wedding rehearsal. (A license expires 60 days after issuance.)
8. Candles
Notify the Wedding Coordinator if you would like to use votive candles on the columns in the
nave of the Church. Candles may not be placed on the pews. No Unity Candles are allowed.
9. Photographs
Photographs of the wedding party may be taken before and after the service. During the
ceremony photographs may be taken without flash. Photographers must be respectful of the
ceremony and not get in the way of the service. Consult with your photographer to schedule
photos following the ceremony. Use of a video camera during the ceremony is permitted.
Photographer needs to coordinate with the Wedding Consultant as to where they can set up
their equipment.
After a Saturday wedding ceremony, the church must be prepared for Sunday worship.
Photographers should limit their time to 45 minutes with the altar background.
10. Dressing Rooms
Rooms are available for the bride and her attendants to dress at the church. The Wedding
Coordinator will show you these rooms.
11. Parking
The Church can reserve on-street parking for the wedding party in front of the building for the
rehearsal and wedding. Additional parking is available behind the church and in the municipal
lot one block west of the church.
12. Miscellaneous
• “Unity” candles are not permitted at a wedding ceremony at St. James’.
• The throwing of rice, bird seed, etc. is not permitted.
• “Flower girls” (if used) may not scatter flowers.
13. Marriage Sessions
The couple must agree to 3 sessions (not counting the preliminary meeting) with the priest prior
to the wedding. As well as agree to post marriage sessions at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.
An inventory is required to be taken by every couple. This inventory is done through a marriage
resource company “Foccus Inc.” The cost for on-line scoring is $15 and $20 for mailed
inventories.
If you were previously married, we must petition our Bishop to perform your wedding.
We are sorry, but we do not have facilities for the groom and his party to dress at
the church.
Please read the wedding procedure packet for St. James’ Episcopal Church very carefully as it
contains valuable information.
Please note: We do not use Unity Candles at St. James’. If you are planning to use Unity
candles, I’ll be glad to tell you what some of recent brides have done.
If you have any questions, please leave a message at the church office (540-347-4342) and I
will return your call as soon as possible.
Grace Shrader, Wedding Coordinator
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