St. Andrew’s on the Sound Episcopal Church — Wilmington, NC

Weddings

Wedding Guild

The Wedding Guild is responsible for assisting the Rector and/or other Clergy in the conduct of the wedding rehearsal and the wedding itself. The Guild members are well versed in traditions of the Episcopal Church and of this Parish in matters ceremonial. The Wedding Guild acts as director of all weddings. All weddings at St. Andrew’s must be cleared with our Rector.

Guidelines for Weddings

1. All weddings held at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound must be scheduled with Parish Secretary. (256-3034).
2. For couples wishing to be married in St. Andrew’s, at least one person must be a communicant in good standing of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound. An Episcopal priest may request, in writing, the courtesy of the use of the facility for the wedding of his/her parishioner, schedule permitting, but the priest in charge of the parish is usually the officiate unless other arrangements are made.
3. Couples married in St. Andrew’s must comply with the requirements of the provisions for premarital counseling (three or more sessions) and the necessary permission from the Bishop, if either party has been previously married. The Bishop may request that couples that have been previously married attend additional counseling sessions with an approved outside counselor. All counseling sessions must be completed 60 days prior to the wedding date.
4. The National Canons (Title 11, Canon 6) specify that music in the church “is used as an offering for the glory of God and as a help to the people in their worship,” and that “the minister shall have final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music”. The Rector, in consultation with the Director of Music, will approve all music to be used in weddings at this church. Secular music is not considered appropriate under this canon. The church organist of St. Andrew’s will be used for all weddings (schedule permitting).
5. There is no photographing allowed during the actual wedding ceremony (from the time the officiating priest enters until the recessional). A video camera may be set up in the back of the church in advance, but at no time during the service can the photographer move around the sanctuary or make any camera adjustments. Please notify your photographer of this rule and pass this information on to your guests. The church will be open for ½ hour following the service for photographs.
6. Fees for weddings are as follows and must be paid two weeks before the ceremony.
   • There is no fee for the priest in charge. An honorarium would be at your discretion.
   • $75 fee to St. Andrew’s Sexton
   • $50 fee to St. Andrew’s Altar Guild
   • $50 fee to St. Andrew’s Wedding Guild
   • $225 fee to the organist
     (All fees can be paid with one check made out to St. Andrew’s. Please indicate date of ceremony on the memo line of your check.)
7. The Wedding Guild of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound is responsible for assisting the Rector and/or other clergy in the conduct of the wedding rehearsal and the wedding itself. The Guild members are well versed in the traditions of the Episcopal Church and their assistance is invaluable. The Wedding Guild acts as wedding director at all weddings at which a director is requested.
8. Decorating the church is limited and your cooperation is requested. The altar candles will be lit and you can request the candelabra. (We do not use a Unity candle in this church). Flowers are limited to two bouquets on the sconces behind the altar. You may also have small pew markers to indicate “the special guest seating”. No other decoration, greens or flowers are permitted. You are requested to take the altar flowers with you after the wedding. Flowers left in the church will be placed in another location in the church for Sunday services. Neither artificial flowers nor artificial greenery are permitted. Rice, flower petals, etc., are not permitted to be thrown after the ceremony under any circumstances.
9. All weddings performed in St. Andrew’s must be recorded in the St. Andrew’s Wedding Register. It is the responsibility of the acting officiates to record the information.
10. If the wedding is to be performed by a visiting priest, a Wedding Guild member from St. Andrew’s will be assigned to assist during the rehearsal and wedding.
11. If you use the facilities at St. Andrew’s for your wedding party to change clothes, you must have all articles removed from the rooms at least 2 hours following the ceremony at which time the building will be closed and locked.
12. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the church grounds or premises at any time on the rehearsal day or the wedding day. Please be sure your wedding party is aware of this guideline.
13. The wedding party is asked to park in the area near the Parish Hall to maximize the parking for guests. The Parish Secretary will explain this location to you when you sign the guidelines.