What you should do first?
Call the parish office, 703-549-3312, and ask to speak with a member of the clergy. If you have a certain person in mind, ask for them. If not, any of us would be glad to help. Until this contact is made, your wedding date cannot be finalized because we need to be sure that the date you want is free on our calendar.
Who may be married at St. Paul's?
Normally anyone being married here would have some current or prior connection to the parish. We expect that it is your intention to worship with us and we hope you will take your place as an active member of this community.
When can't you get married at St. Paul's?
In general, you may be married at any time with the following exceptions:
 |
When another wedding is already planned: |
|
The season of Lent; or |
|
Any Friday, and any time within one week of major holidays such as Christmas or Easter. |
How much notice do you need?
At least 30 days notice is needed but three months is preferable. You may do this by signing the Declaration of Intention available from a member of our clergy.
If one or both parties has been divorced, additional time may be needed .
What times are available?
Weddings may be scheduled in the church or chapel at any time until 5p.m. No more than two weddings are scheduled for any one day.
Rehearsals are generally held at 4 or 5 p.m. on the previous day; you are urged to arrive promptly for the rehearsal.
What about premarital preparation?
You will meet with the clergy who will be officiating at your wedding and then attend one of our regularly scheduled premarital sessions. These sessions consist of a Sunday coffee from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and an all day session the following Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. You will meet seperately with the officiating clergy to plan the liturgy. The purpose of these meetings is to help you reflect on your own relationship and the patterns you have developed as well as to give you an opportunity to further your understanding of the Christian faith and develop a relationship with the clergy of St. Paul's.
If you live out of town you may be prepared for marriage by some other person mutually agreed upon by you and the officiating clergy.
Please do not make a public announcement of the wedding until after your initial meeting with the clergy.
What if one of us is divorced?
Our policy is consistent with the policies of the Diocese of Virginia and the Canons of the Episcopal Church. At least one year must have lapsed between the final decree of the divorce and the date of petition. Counseling with clergy or some other mutually acceptable person is essential.
If a person approaches the church seeking to marry for their third or more time, additional consultation is our policy.
Who may officiate?
Weddings at St. Paul's will be officiated by parish clergy. If you would like another duly ordained clergy person to assist, we would be happy to invite them.
What much does it cost?
There is no fee for being married at St. Paul's.
There is a $200 fee to the organist. The office will provide the name as the check is made payable directly to the organist.
There is $100 fee payable to the sexton. The office will provide the name as the check is made payable directly to the sexton.
If you wish to make an additional donation to the parish, please make your check payable to the officiating clergy.
What about music?
Music must be approved by our organist, Michael Heintz. Contact him as soon as possible to arrange a time to meet. (703-549-3312 x16)
What about flowers?
Call our Altar Guild wedding coordinator, Jean Stuhl, 703-451-3474, as soon as possible to let her know your proposed wedding date and begin coordinating details about the service. Altar flowers are the only major arrangements permitted in the church, although a small arrangement to mark the family pews is allowed. Donations to the Altar Guild in appreciation for their assistance will be gratefully received. You will not need a wedding coordinator at the church.
What about photography and video equipment?
No photographs may be taken by guests during worship. Your photographer may take one picture as you leave the church and any silent photographs without flash during the service from the balcony, provided no members of the congregation are seated there. Twenty minutes are allowed following the service for any pictures you may wish. Stationary video equipment may be used from the balcony, although no extra lighting may be added to the church.
What else do I need to know?
The church seats about 550 people and chapel 22 people.
The clergy do not expect to be invited to social functions in connection with the wedding. If you would like them to attend, however, please issue a written invitation and they will attend if possible.
Parking outside the church may be reserved from City Hall, room 4130. There is a fee for this service. Call 703-838-4324 for information.
Paid parking is available at both the Holiday Inn and the Courthouse at the corner of South Pitt and King Streets.
You must have a license to marry in Virginia. Information may be obtained from the Register of Deeds at the Circuit Court of Alexandria, 703-838-4044.
Please do not throw rice inside or outside the church. Birdseed is fine outside the church and the birds will thank you.
|
