| Weddings at St. Luke's |
Weddings at St. Luke’s
“Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God.” Book of Common Prayer, p.422
Congratulations on your engagement, and we wish you every joy and blessing as you prepare for both your wedding ceremony and your life together in marriage. We are delighted you are considering St. Luke’s as a place to begin your married life. This wedding information should answer most, if not all the questions you might have. We will be happy to answer any further questions you have at or before scheduling your initial meeting with our priest.
Your decision to be married at St. Luke’s presumes your commitment to this church community now and in the future. We ask that you respect the policies and expectations of the Episcopal Church. If you are not already members of St. Luke’s we would expect that you now will make this your parish home. Marriage is one of the most challenging and rewarding human relationships and one that is best lived out in a community of faith. It is there you will find the support and nourishment you will need to grow in love, forgiveness, strength, and compassion. If you live out of town we strongly urge you to find and church home which will be your future faith community.
The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties to the marriage be a baptized Christian. The baptized person(s) is asked to bring baptismal certification. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage. The Bride and Groom will also sign a Declaration of Intent.
The couple must attend pre-marital counseling with the priest who will officiate the wedding (or with another clergy person authorized by him or her). A minimum of three pre-marital counseling sessions with the priest are required prior to the wedding day. These sessions allow time for the priest and the couple to get to know one another. There is also time to discuss the Church’s understanding of marriage, to explore the nature of life as a married couple, and to plan the service (see below). In some cases the priest may suggest the couple seek other counseling.
Divorced persons who wish to be remarried in the Episcopal Church are required to show documentation of the previous marriage(s) and divorce(s) to the priest who will officiate your wedding. The priest, in consultation with the couple, must determine that the prior marriage(s) are legally dissolved and that continuing concern is being shown for the well-being of the former spouse(s) and for any children. The priest must request permission to proceed with your wedding from the Episcopal Bishop of New York at least 60 days before the wedding date. In addition, the Bishop requires that the couple complete a short questionnaire that will be submitted with the application for permission.
The State of New York requires that you obtain a New York State Marriage License within 60 days of, and not less than 24 hours, prior to your wedding day. In Westchester County, a marriage license may be secured through any town government. To obtain a license, both parties will need two proofs of identification, one being a photo ID. The license must be paid for with cash, check, or money order in the amount of $25. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid and it remains valid for 60 days. You must bring this license to the officiating priest on the day of the rehearsal. The two witnesses, normally the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor, must sign the license then and there. Without the license and witnesses, the marriage cannot proceed. According to the laws of New York State a priest may not perform a marriage without a license without incurring severe penalties.
The marriage service of the Episcopal Church is found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Other rites and services are not permitted. All elements of the service are subject to the approval of the priest. Often, couples desire to invite another clergy person to participate in the service. In nearly all cases, visiting clergy are most welcome, but first it must be discussed with the officiating priest, who will extend the invitation.
The readings during the service will be from Scripture, whether from the list appointed or other passages, chosen in consultation with the priest. We encourage the participation of friends and family members in the reading of lessons and the offering of prayers. The church will provide a copy of the readings that includes the opening and closing responses called for by the 1979 Prayer Book of Common Prayer.
A celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a wonderful way to start your life together and to celebrate the blessing of a marriage. In the Episcopal marriage rite communion is optional, at the discretion of the couple. According to the teaching of the Episcopal Church we at St. Luke’s welcome all baptized Christians, regardless of age or denomination, to receive communion.
Printing of service bulletins, if desired, will be handled by the couple. The bulletin must be approved by the priest prior to printing.
To schedule a wedding date you must first clear the date with the priest. The priest may be reached either by email at revjccampo@aol.com or by phone at 914-961-7232. Usually weddings take place on Saturdays though some weekdays and Sunday evenings are also available. Weddings are not scheduled during the seasons of Lent because of the penitential nature of that season and of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Since Lent’s dates depend upon Easter, it will usually begin sometime in February and lasts until late March or mid-April. The priest will gladly tell you what the dates of Lent are for any given year.
The rehearsal is scheduled for the afternoon or evening before the wedding. It will generally take 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the nature and size of the wedding. It is essential that all members of the wedding party attend and arrive on time. Wedding planners and coordinators are not to attend rehearsals; the priest is fully in charge of all proceedings having to do with the ceremony at both the rehearsal and the wedding. We require that you take responsibility for seeing that both the rehearsal and wedding start times are adhered to. (Our policy states that when the wedding party causes a delay of longer than 30 minutes past the scheduled start time at the rehearsal and/or the wedding, it will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.)
Music: Once you and the priest have agreed to go forward with the ceremony, please contact our parish organist, Susan LaFever (201-758-0312) to schedule a meeting to discuss music options and to begin planning as there is a range of possibilities. Whatever music is chosen will need to be consistent with the musical traditions of the parish and the Episcopal Church. Ultimately, the music of the service is at the discretion of the priest.
Photography: No flash photography whatsoever, video or still, professional or amateur, is allowed in the nave, chancel, or any part of the sanctuary during the wedding ceremony. On the day of the wedding, the priest will instruct professional photographers and videographers as to where they can position themselves during the service. The basic rule is that photographers and videographers may not obstruct the view of any guest or participant during the ceremony. Videotaping is permitted during the service, with available light only and with the videographer adhering to the same restrictions as above.
Flash photos may only be taken as the wedding party walks down the aisle at the beginning and at the end of the service. Good professional photographers understand this and will agree to minimize distractions and respect the sacred nature of the building and the liturgy. The couple and photographer must sign “Policies for Photographers at St. Luke’s” and return it to the parish office two weeks prior to the date of the wedding. Violations will not be tolerated.
Flowers and Other Decorations: Flowers, boutonnieres, and bouquets may be brought in by a florist. We ask that the florist be in touch with the Altar Guild if they have questions about scale and quantity. Altar flowers used at your wedding are typically left in the church as an offering. The next day’s service bulletin notes that they are left as such and names the couple. Aisle runners and “unity candles” are not used. Please refrain from the use of rice, bird seed, or any type of confetti thrown after the service. (Our policy states that violations may result in the forfeiture of your deposit.)
Respect for the Church: The wedding party is expected to treat the Church with respect. The Church is a place of prayer, and an atmosphere of reverence for the presence of God is expected. It should go without saying that food and drink are not allowed in the Church or in the sacristy.
On the Day of the Wedding the wedding party should plan to arrive one hour before the wedding. Have ushers in place no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Fees: There are no fees for the sacraments of the Church. The costs associated with a wedding cover the costs of the event, utilities, cleaning, and the musician’s time.
You will notice a significant difference in the cost for active members and non-members or non-active members of the Church. This is an unfortunate distinction to be made but one that takes into consideration those who support the parish spiritually and financially throughout the year. A 50% deposit of $150 (this is in addition to the regular charge) will be required within two weeks of your meeting with the priest and the scheduling of your marriage at St. Luke’s. This deposit will be returned to you within three weeks after your ceremony, provided that all conditions outlined on the agreement are met, and your wedding and/or rehearsal did not begin more than 30 minutes late. This deposit will not be returned should you cancel your wedding. (For the sake of definition, an active member is someone who has been attending and contributing regularly for the past six months.) The fee for the organist is to be discussed with the organist. Music chosen which demands additional preparation time or the addition of soloists or instrumentalists resulting in the need for additional rehearsals may be reflected in her fee for such increased demands.
Everything not marked “outside arrangements” must be paid at the time of the wedding rehearsal with individual checks and envelopes for each fee. At the priest’s discretion any of these fees may be waived or reduced, with the exception of the organist’s fee.
List of Fees
Deposit $150(see restrictions above)
Building & Staff: $150 (active members) $300 (non-members and non-active members)
Clergy: Honorarium at couple’s discretion to charity of priest’s choice (active members) $200 (non-members and non-active members)
Organist: Discuss with Organist
Flowers: Outside arrangements
“Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God.” Book of Common Prayer, p.422
Congratulations on your engagement, and we wish you every joy and blessing as you prepare for both your wedding ceremony and your life together in marriage. We are delighted you are considering St. Luke’s as a place to begin your married life. This wedding information should answer most, if not all the questions you might have. We will be happy to answer any further questions you have at or before scheduling your initial meeting with our priest.
Your decision to be married at St. Luke’s presumes your commitment to this church community now and in the future. We ask that you respect the policies and expectations of the Episcopal Church. If you are not already members of St. Luke’s we would expect that you now will make this your parish home. Marriage is one of the most challenging and rewarding human relationships and one that is best lived out in a community of faith. It is there you will find the support and nourishment you will need to grow in love, forgiveness, strength, and compassion. If you live out of town we strongly urge you to find and church home which will be your future faith community.
The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties to the marriage be a baptized Christian. The baptized person(s) is asked to bring baptismal certification. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage. The Bride and Groom will also sign a Declaration of Intent.
The couple must attend pre-marital counseling with the priest who will officiate the wedding (or with another clergy person authorized by him or her). A minimum of three pre-marital counseling sessions with the priest are required prior to the wedding day. These sessions allow time for the priest and the couple to get to know one another. There is also time to discuss the Church’s understanding of marriage, to explore the nature of life as a married couple, and to plan the service (see below). In some cases the priest may suggest the couple seek other counseling.
Divorced persons who wish to be remarried in the Episcopal Church are required to show documentation of the previous marriage(s) and divorce(s) to the priest who will officiate your wedding. The priest, in consultation with the couple, must determine that the prior marriage(s) are legally dissolved and that continuing concern is being shown for the well-being of the former spouse(s) and for any children. The priest must request permission to proceed with your wedding from the Episcopal Bishop of New York at least 60 days before the wedding date. In addition, the Bishop requires that the couple complete a short questionnaire that will be submitted with the application for permission.
The State of New York requires that you obtain a New York State Marriage License within 60 days of, and not less than 24 hours, prior to your wedding day. In Westchester County, a marriage license may be secured through any town government. To obtain a license, both parties will need two proofs of identification, one being a photo ID. The license must be paid for with cash, check, or money order in the amount of $25. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid and it remains valid for 60 days. You must bring this license to the officiating priest on the day of the rehearsal. The two witnesses, normally the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor, must sign the license then and there. Without the license and witnesses, the marriage cannot proceed. According to the laws of New York State a priest may not perform a marriage without a license without incurring severe penalties.
The marriage service of the Episcopal Church is found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Other rites and services are not permitted. All elements of the service are subject to the approval of the priest. Often, couples desire to invite another clergy person to participate in the service. In nearly all cases, visiting clergy are most welcome, but first it must be discussed with the officiating priest, who will extend the invitation.
The readings during the service will be from Scripture, whether from the list appointed or other passages, chosen in consultation with the priest. We encourage the participation of friends and family members in the reading of lessons and the offering of prayers. The church will provide a copy of the readings that includes the opening and closing responses called for by the 1979 Prayer Book of Common Prayer.
A celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a wonderful way to start your life together and to celebrate the blessing of a marriage. In the Episcopal marriage rite communion is optional, at the discretion of the couple. According to the teaching of the Episcopal Church we at St. Luke’s welcome all baptized Christians, regardless of age or denomination, to receive communion.
Printing of service bulletins, if desired, will be handled by the couple. The bulletin must be approved by the priest prior to printing.
To schedule a wedding date you must first clear the date with the priest. The priest may be reached either by email at revjccampo@aol.com or by phone at 914-961-7232. Usually weddings take place on Saturdays though some weekdays and Sunday evenings are also available. Weddings are not scheduled during the seasons of Lent because of the penitential nature of that season and of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Since Lent’s dates depend upon Easter, it will usually begin sometime in February and lasts until late March or mid-April. The priest will gladly tell you what the dates of Lent are for any given year.
The rehearsal is scheduled for the afternoon or evening before the wedding. It will generally take 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the nature and size of the wedding. It is essential that all members of the wedding party attend and arrive on time. Wedding planners and coordinators are not to attend rehearsals; the priest is fully in charge of all proceedings having to do with the ceremony at both the rehearsal and the wedding. We require that you take responsibility for seeing that both the rehearsal and wedding start times are adhered to. (Our policy states that when the wedding party causes a delay of longer than 30 minutes past the scheduled start time at the rehearsal and/or the wedding, it will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.)
Music: Once you and the priest have agreed to go forward with the ceremony, please contact our parish organist, Susan LaFever (201-758-0312) to schedule a meeting to discuss music options and to begin planning as there is a range of possibilities. Whatever music is chosen will need to be consistent with the musical traditions of the parish and the Episcopal Church. Ultimately, the music of the service is at the discretion of the priest.
Photography: No flash photography whatsoever, video or still, professional or amateur, is allowed in the nave, chancel, or any part of the sanctuary during the wedding ceremony. On the day of the wedding, the priest will instruct professional photographers and videographers as to where they can position themselves during the service. The basic rule is that photographers and videographers may not obstruct the view of any guest or participant during the ceremony. Videotaping is permitted during the service, with available light only and with the videographer adhering to the same restrictions as above.
Flash photos may only be taken as the wedding party walks down the aisle at the beginning and at the end of the service. Good professional photographers understand this and will agree to minimize distractions and respect the sacred nature of the building and the liturgy. The couple and photographer must sign “Policies for Photographers at St. Luke’s” and return it to the parish office two weeks prior to the date of the wedding. Violations will not be tolerated.
Flowers and Other Decorations: Flowers, boutonnieres, and bouquets may be brought in by a florist. We ask that the florist be in touch with the Altar Guild if they have questions about scale and quantity. Altar flowers used at your wedding are typically left in the church as an offering. The next day’s service bulletin notes that they are left as such and names the couple. Aisle runners and “unity candles” are not used. Please refrain from the use of rice, bird seed, or any type of confetti thrown after the service. (Our policy states that violations may result in the forfeiture of your deposit.)
Respect for the Church: The wedding party is expected to treat the Church with respect. The Church is a place of prayer, and an atmosphere of reverence for the presence of God is expected. It should go without saying that food and drink are not allowed in the Church or in the sacristy.
On the Day of the Wedding the wedding party should plan to arrive one hour before the wedding. Have ushers in place no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Fees: There are no fees for the sacraments of the Church. The costs associated with a wedding cover the costs of the event, utilities, cleaning, and the musician’s time.
You will notice a significant difference in the cost for active members and non-members or non-active members of the Church. This is an unfortunate distinction to be made but one that takes into consideration those who support the parish spiritually and financially throughout the year. A 50% deposit of $150 (this is in addition to the regular charge) will be required within two weeks of your meeting with the priest and the scheduling of your marriage at St. Luke’s. This deposit will be returned to you within three weeks after your ceremony, provided that all conditions outlined on the agreement are met, and your wedding and/or rehearsal did not begin more than 30 minutes late. This deposit will not be returned should you cancel your wedding. (For the sake of definition, an active member is someone who has been attending and contributing regularly for the past six months.) The fee for the organist is to be discussed with the organist. Music chosen which demands additional preparation time or the addition of soloists or instrumentalists resulting in the need for additional rehearsals may be reflected in her fee for such increased demands.
Everything not marked “outside arrangements” must be paid at the time of the wedding rehearsal with individual checks and envelopes for each fee. At the priest’s discretion any of these fees may be waived or reduced, with the exception of the organist’s fee.
List of Fees
Deposit $150(see restrictions above)
Building & Staff: $150 (active members) $300 (non-members and non-active members)
Clergy: Honorarium at couple’s discretion to charity of priest’s choice (active members) $200 (non-members and non-active members)
Organist: Discuss with Organist
Flowers: Outside arrangements