Worship | Weddings
Weddings
Will there be Pre-Marital Counseling?
The Episcopal Church requires pre-marital counseling with the priest. This is usually accomplished in about three to four sessions, though in some cases the clergy may require the couple to seek additional outside premarital counseling prior to the wedding ceremony. The focus of the meetings with the clergy is mainly to help the couple explore their coming marriage relationship more fully, and the nature of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
How is the Marriage Scheduled?
Couples should first contact Jule Hoplamazian at 516 922 6377 x101 or email office@christchurchoysterbay.org. Amber will check the calendar for the availability of your preferred wedding date, will assist you in setting up this date, will collect your pertinent information, and then arrange an appointment for you with the rector. The date for the wedding should be made before you make any date for a reception hall. Weddings are often held on Saturday, but other days are acceptable.
What is included in the Marriage Ceremony?
We only use The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage as found on page 423 of the Book of Common Prayer. In order to retain the integrity of this beautiful liturgy, alternative prayers and liturgies will not be accommodated. Additionally, since our liturgy identifies the ring(s) as the physical symbol for the sacrament, competing symbols -- unity candles, etc. -- cannot be accommodated. The priest will arrange the details of the service with the couple. Family and/or friends are encouraged to participate by doing one of the scripture readings or leading a psalm. The priest will conduct the rehearsal assisted by a member of the Altar Guild and the parish organist.
May Visiting Clergy Participate in the Wedding?
Yes, have your clergy contact the Rector at least 4 months before the wedding to make arrangements.
Who Selects the Music?
The musical offerings in the Wedding Service are selected and arranged in consultation with the Rector and Organist of Christ Church. In addition to the Wedding service, the organist also attends the rehearsal. Should there be interest in having guest musicians participate in the service, these individuals and their musical selections are also arranged in consultation with the Rector and Organist. The fees for guest musicians are negotiated by the couple and paid directly to those individuals.
How may the Church be Decorated?
Your florist is welcome to visit the church prior to the wedding during open hours. On the day of the wedding, the florist will be granted access to the church in advance of the ceremony.
How much time will we need at the Church?
The Wedding Ceremony itself can last anywhere from a half-hour to an hour, depending on the amount of music the couple chooses, and whether or not Holy Communion is included. Generally, we reserve a three hour time block for each wedding: one hour before the ceremony to arrive and prepare, one hour for the ceremony itself, and one hour after the ceremony for photos in the church and garden.
What are the Costs?
Weddings
“The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. ”
The Book of Common Prayer
- Who may be married at Christ Church?
- Will there be pre-marital counseling?
- How is the marriage scheduled?
- What is included in the Marriage Ceremony?
- May visiting clergy participate in the wedding?
- Who selects the music?
- How may the church be decorated?
- How much time will we need at the church?
- What are the costs?
- When is the rehearsal?
- May we take pictures during the wedding?
- What documents are necessary?
- Are there reception facilities at Christ Church?
Who may be married at Christ Church?
Christian marriage is a sacramental act between a man and a woman, who in the presence of God and God’s people, commit themselves to each other in body and spirit. While we are very accommodating of non-members, ideally the couple is expected to be an active part of the Christ Church community that is bearing witness to their mutual pledge. In addition, the national canons of the Episcopal Church require that one person be a baptized Christian, and, when one or both parties have been previously divorced, that permission to remarry be sought from the Episcopal Bishop of the diocese. This permission must be sought at least four months in advance, in consultation with the priest performing the wedding.
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Will there be Pre-Marital Counseling?
The Episcopal Church requires pre-marital counseling with the priest. This is usually accomplished in about three to four sessions, though in some cases the clergy may require the couple to seek additional outside premarital counseling prior to the wedding ceremony. The focus of the meetings with the clergy is mainly to help the couple explore their coming marriage relationship more fully, and the nature of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
back to top
How is the Marriage Scheduled?
Couples should first contact Jule Hoplamazian at 516 922 6377 x101 or email office@christchurchoysterbay.org. Amber will check the calendar for the availability of your preferred wedding date, will assist you in setting up this date, will collect your pertinent information, and then arrange an appointment for you with the rector. The date for the wedding should be made before you make any date for a reception hall. Weddings are often held on Saturday, but other days are acceptable.
back to top
What is included in the Marriage Ceremony?
We only use The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage as found on page 423 of the Book of Common Prayer. In order to retain the integrity of this beautiful liturgy, alternative prayers and liturgies will not be accommodated. Additionally, since our liturgy identifies the ring(s) as the physical symbol for the sacrament, competing symbols -- unity candles, etc. -- cannot be accommodated. The priest will arrange the details of the service with the couple. Family and/or friends are encouraged to participate by doing one of the scripture readings or leading a psalm. The priest will conduct the rehearsal assisted by a member of the Altar Guild and the parish organist.
back to top
May Visiting Clergy Participate in the Wedding?
Yes, have your clergy contact the Rector at least 4 months before the wedding to make arrangements.
back to top
Who Selects the Music?
The musical offerings in the Wedding Service are selected and arranged in consultation with the Rector and Organist of Christ Church. In addition to the Wedding service, the organist also attends the rehearsal. Should there be interest in having guest musicians participate in the service, these individuals and their musical selections are also arranged in consultation with the Rector and Organist. The fees for guest musicians are negotiated by the couple and paid directly to those individuals.
back to top
How may the Church be Decorated?
Your florist is welcome to visit the church prior to the wedding during open hours. On the day of the wedding, the florist will be granted access to the church in advance of the ceremony.
back to top
How much time will we need at the Church?
The Wedding Ceremony itself can last anywhere from a half-hour to an hour, depending on the amount of music the couple chooses, and whether or not Holy Communion is included. Generally, we reserve a three hour time block for each wedding: one hour before the ceremony to arrive and prepare, one hour for the ceremony itself, and one hour after the ceremony for photos in the church and garden.
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What are the Costs?
Costs include a contribution to the church, an offering for the officiating clergy, an honorarium for our organist, and a fee for the Sexton. Wedding fees can be reduced in consultation with the Rector only for parishioners in regular Sunday attendance who have been contributing members of record for one full year. For others who may find our fees prohibitive, we invite you to consider an advance payment plan through the church business office. In all cases, fees must be paid in full no later than one week before your wedding day. For a detailed outline of these fees, click here.
When is the Rehearsal?
The Wedding Rehearsal is usually the afternoon or evening before the wedding, at a time agreed to with the priest. It usually takes about an hour. This should also be scheduled in advance. All members of the wedding party should attend.
May we take pictures during the Wedding?
In order to maintain a suitable atmosphere for Christian worship, photographs are only permitted with available light and a silent shutter from a fixed location at the back of the church or a side transept. Specific guidelines for photographers are outlined in the wedding brochure available in the church office, and it is the bridal couple's responsibilty to make these rules known.
What Documents are Necessary?
A marriage license must be obtained from the Town of Oyster Bay Registar within sixty days of your wedding date. Go to the Town of Oyster Bay web site for complete information. You are to give the license to the priest prior to your wedding rehearsal. You and your witnesses will sign the license on your wedding day. The church will take care of mailing the license to the Town Registrar’s office. You should receive your official marriage license directly from the Town Registrar’s office about two months after your wedding. As a reminder, if you were previously married, additional paperwork must be completed and sent to the Bishop for approval. This can take up to two months.
Are There Reception Facilities at Christ Church?
Yes, you can also hold your wedding reception in the Parish Hall for a separate fee. The hall can accommodate up to 200 guests, and we can refer you to a caterer. You can view photos here.
For more information on weddings for yourself, please call our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Peter Casparian at 516 922 6377 x102 or email rector@christchurchoysterbay.org
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When is the Rehearsal?
The Wedding Rehearsal is usually the afternoon or evening before the wedding, at a time agreed to with the priest. It usually takes about an hour. This should also be scheduled in advance. All members of the wedding party should attend.
back to top
May we take pictures during the Wedding?
In order to maintain a suitable atmosphere for Christian worship, photographs are only permitted with available light and a silent shutter from a fixed location at the back of the church or a side transept. Specific guidelines for photographers are outlined in the wedding brochure available in the church office, and it is the bridal couple's responsibilty to make these rules known.
back to top
What Documents are Necessary?
A marriage license must be obtained from the Town of Oyster Bay Registar within sixty days of your wedding date. Go to the Town of Oyster Bay web site for complete information. You are to give the license to the priest prior to your wedding rehearsal. You and your witnesses will sign the license on your wedding day. The church will take care of mailing the license to the Town Registrar’s office. You should receive your official marriage license directly from the Town Registrar’s office about two months after your wedding. As a reminder, if you were previously married, additional paperwork must be completed and sent to the Bishop for approval. This can take up to two months.
back to top
Are There Reception Facilities at Christ Church?
Yes, you can also hold your wedding reception in the Parish Hall for a separate fee. The hall can accommodate up to 200 guests, and we can refer you to a caterer. You can view photos here.
back to top
For more information on weddings for yourself, please call our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Peter Casparian at 516 922 6377 x102 or email rector@christchurchoysterbay.org