Wedding Guidelines

Preparing for a joyous and blessed celebration.

St. Columba’s is a special spiritual place.  Many couples, over the years, have started married life here. We look forward to celebrating your life-long commitment.  There are, of course, parameters for an Episcopal wedding at St. Columba’s.  

Before the Wedding:

  • One of you, at least, must be a baptized Christian.

  • Pre-marital counseling is required. The bride and groom will be responsible for calling to set up appointments with the priest, and should complete counseling at least 45 days before the wedding.

  • Generally, at least 90 days notice is required for a wedding.  More time is necessary if one or both parties are divorced.

  • St. Columba’s clergy are regularly the officiating ministers at all weddings. Services are always in accordance with the Episcopal liturgy.

  • St. Columba’s must approve all wedding music at least four weeks prior to the service.

  • The couple is responsible for obtaining the marriage license and ensuring that it is in the Parish Office at least one week prior to the wedding.

Wedding Fees

-- Booking Fee........................ $75.00

Date and time are set upon receipt of this fee with the signed Application and Declaration of Intention. This fee is non-refundable and separate from all other fees.

All other fees are to be paid one month in advance of the wedding:

-- Chapel Fee...................... $2,325.00
       Payable to:  St. Columba’s Chapel.

The amount includes the clergy honorarium.

 -- Organist............................. $175.00
        Payable to:  Spencer Sacco

A contractual agreement exists in which the Chapel organist is to be paid $125.00 whether or not his services are needed. This fee is waived if the ceremony is not held in the Chapel.

-- Altar Guild.......................... $50.00
      Payable to:  CASH

-- Sexton................................ $50.00
       Payable to:  CASH

This fee is waived if the service is not held in the Chapel.

 Revised October 2007
(Wedding fees subject to change)

Rehearsal:

To ensure a smooth wedding, a rehearsal is necessary. Ceremony participants need to be on time for this important appointment. Rehearsals are customarily scheduled for 5:00 PM on the Friday before the wedding.

Photography:

Photography is limited during the wedding service; for more details contact the Rector. Videography is possible; for guidance, please contact the Rector.

Flowers:

Your florist should contact the St. Columba’s wedding liaison, Patty Duke, at 847-0448 or pattydukedc@verizon.net as soon as possible to discuss floral arrangements. You are asked to provide the pair of floral arrangements that flank the altar cross; they are to be left in the church after the wedding.

 Miscellaneous:

  • Rice, birdseed, or the like are not to be thrown either inside the Chapel or on the grounds.

  • Aisle runners are not to be used in the Chapel.

  • St. Columba’s discourages the use of signs for directions to the Chapel.  (Please note that it is illegal to post anything on city or town property and also on private property without permission.)

Travel directions are available on our website and in the Parish Office for you and your guests’ use. Chapel signs are located on both Indian and Green End Avenues.

Seating capacity in the Chapel is 135.