Marriage

The Parish of St. Paul’s Church is pleased to welcome and help people who have chosen to be married in our Church.  Marriage is a public service of the Church and should therefore be solemnized in the body of the Church.  This page is intended to help couples, who are planning to be married at St. Paul’s Church, be familiar with the expectations of the Church.  Particularly in the areas of premarital education and the liturgy itself.


         Marriage is a sacrament of the Church and is a means of God's grace.  It is, “a way of life that all should reverence, and none should lightly undertaken.”  Furthermore, “it is God's purpose that, as husband and wife  (or other combination) give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with his Church.”


         The Anglican Church affirms that according to the Lord’s teaching Holy Matrimony is a life-long union, voluntarily undertaken by two people, and sanctified by God.  Weddings are happy and sacred events and people assume a tremendous responsibility towards each other.


NOTICE -

At least 60 days notice is required for marriage in the Church.  However, more lead-time is helpful to everyone concerned.  The choice of a date and time must be made in consultation with the Celebrant.  If either person has been previously married the Celebrant must be notified as soon as possible because special permission from the rector is required to remarry in the Church.


MARRIAGE LICENSE -

It is your responsibility to obtain a Provincial Marriage License and to deliver it to the Celebrant in due time before the marriage.  A Marriage license will be issued at the same time the application is made, provided that the couple are both present and have all the required documents with them.


You will need:


The Marriage License can be obtained from;

          Health & Social Services

          Riverview Business Centre,

          16 Garfield St., Charlottetown.

          Health and Social Services Office

          126 Douse’s Road, Montague.


Toll Free: 1-877-320-1253 

Website: http://www.gov.pe.ca/health/index.php3?number=1020357


The Province charges for the Marriage License, the charge is $100.00.  It is payable when the license is issued.  The Marriage License is only valid for three months from the date of purchase.


VITAL STATISTICS -

Please deliver the Marriage License and accompanying documents (the Registration Form and Marriage Certificate) to the Parish Office as soon as possible and no later than one week prior to the wedding. 


FEE SCHEDULE -

There is no charge for the use of the Church by members of the Parish.

Church Rental (non-members): $500.00

Custodial services: $40.00.

Organist:   $ 100.00 per service,

                   $  50.00 per rehearsal.

A donation to the Church is appropriate.

An honorarium for the Celebrant is at your discretion (suggested minimum - $100.00).

These fees are to be paid at (or before) the rehearsal, and are subject to change.

Other fees may apply for ceremonies that occur away from St. Paul’s Church.


MARRIAGE PREPARATION -

It is required that those seeking marriage in the Church attend a premarital program in which the meaning and nature of Christian marriage and family life are discussed, as well as the need for God's grace.  St. Paul’s Church often organizes a Marriage Preparation Event.  This has proven to be helpful for couples who are getting married.  It is also expected that there will be a series of meetings with the Celebrant.  These events are not considered optional.


MUSIC and the ORGANIST -

It is your responsibility to arrange for music, the organist at St. Paul’s Church is Dean Perry. All hymns and music must be approved by the Celebrant. 


READINGS and PSALMS SUITABLE for MARRIAGE LITURGIES -

Two or three readings, including a Gospel reading, shall normally be read. 

The following are merely suggestions, if other scripture readings are desired they may be read.


Old Testament and New Testament Readings:

Genesis 1:27-28, 31a

Tobit 8:5b-8

Romans 12:1-2, 9-13

1 Corinthians 13

Ephesians 1:14-19

Colossians 3:12-17

1 John 4:7-12

 

Psalms:

67

112:1-6

$48:1-6

150

 

Gospel Readings:

Matthew 5:1-10

Matthew 22:35-40

Mark 10:6-9

John 2:1-11

John 15:9-12

 

Your family and friends may read the lessons.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE -

It is also suggested that your family and friends may lead the Prayers of the People.

Please call our rector the Rev'd John Clarke jwgc@pei.aibn.com to talk about Marriage (902-892-1691).