The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a calling from God which is a vocation to living out the Christian life. Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God. Holy Matrimony is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman whose life together reflects God’s love for His people.  Our aim at Saint Paul’s is to provide you with theological and sacramental preparation that will prayerfully help you discern your readiness for Christian marriage.
 
The priest is not under any obligation to marry anyone.  The priest may at any time inform the intended couple that he is no longer willing to perform the service. 
  1) At least one member of the couple (but preferably both) must have been baptized with water in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
 
2) As St. Paul’s is not a wedding chapel for the greater community, at least one member of the couple must be a regular attendant at a regular worship service for at least six months prior to beginning pre-marital counseling. 
 
3) Both persons must be qualified to marry according to the laws of the State of Texas.  (The clergy can answer any questions you may have.)
 
4) There must be no existing impediments to marriage such as would render the proposed union sacramentally invalid.
 
5) In any case in which persons are living together without being legally married, both parties must agree to live apart and chastely before the date of the marriage.  The solemnization of Matrimony is a Sacrament of the Christian Church and the historic teaching of the Church will be observed in this matter.  The date of their signification of intent to marry will be considered to be that on which they agree to this condition.
 
Marriages cannot be celebrated in Advent or Lent, except for special or unusual reasons.
  No wedding date may be set without consultation and approval by the Rector.
 
1) Notice of marriage must be given at least six months before the planned event, though allowances will be provided under unusual circumstances.
 
2) No less than three counseling sessions must precede any wedding. 1) All matters connected with the liturgy and music, and all activities on church property connected with the wedding are under specific and direct authority of the Rector of St. Paul’s.  Every effort will be made to honor all reasonable requests on the part of the couple in these matters.  The Altar Guild of this congregation under the direction of the clergy of St. Paul’s is responsible for the proper appointments for the altar and the church for the ceremony.  This includes placement of all floral arrangements.  Nothing may be dropped in the aisles during the ceremony and all decorations must be approved in advance by the Rector.
 
2) The wedding ritual is strictly confined to the text of “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage” as contained in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer or the Liturgy of the Anglican Church of North America, although the more traditional ceremony from previous Anglican Prayer Books may be considered. 
 
Visiting clergy of recognized traditions are welcome to participate (though approval is necessary from the Rector). 
 
3) As this is a Sacrament of the Church, the norm will be that the Eucharist will be included.  We understand that there are certain pastoral and family reasons that prevent celebrating the Holy Eucharist at a wedding. If you think this may be the case please discuss this with the rector.
 
4) All music is discussed and approved with our organist Shirley Hatfield.  She will also assist you in selecting appropriate sacred music and hymns.  All music and musicians are under her direction and the rector’s. Shirley plays for all weddings or he is responsible for providing a substitute.
 
Wedding music will be restricted to traditional classical forms.  So-called “popular music” ( including popular “Christian songs” and “wedding marches”)is considered inappropriate to be played during the service, and should be reserved for the reception following.
 
5) Policy on Flowerstand Other Decorations
                a) Flower arrangements are permitted only in the following locations:
                                1. On the High Altar;
                                2. Down the aisle attached to the pews (optional);
                                3. Personal flowers, such as the bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres, and bridesmaids’ flowers.
                b) No aisle runners are permitted. No rice, birdseed, bubbles, potpourri, confetti,
noise makers are used on the Church grounds, inside or out-of-doors. No dropping of
floral petals down the main aisle is allowed.
                c) The use of a “unity” candle is prohibited as the image pales in comparison to the imagery of unity throughout the rest of the service.

* St. Paul’s has an excellent working relationship with Kaden the Florist and Greenhouses,
1938 Rice Ave Gainesville, TX 76240 (940)665-4354 (800)655-2336 www.kadenthefloristgainesvilletx.com
 
6) Policy on Photographers/Videographers
                (It is appropriate and encouraged to invite the photographer to the rehearsal.  Make sure they do not charge you extra for the rehearsal visit.)
                a) Wedding photography is permitted if performed in an unobtrusive manner. 
                b) Strobe flashes should be withheld once the ceremony has begun.
                c) Video photographers must station themselves discretely.
                d) After the marriage, a thirty minute time slot (no longer!) is available for group pictures.
                e) No “funny or joke pictures” are ever taken in the sanctuary before the High Altar.
                f) Do not move furniture, flowers, candles, or other items in the nave or sanctuary or
on the High Altar.

*It is the responsibility of the couple to see that all photographers and videographers, either amateur or professional, whose services you have engaged for your wedding review these rules and agree to them.

There is no graceful way to say this, but please understand, the Rector will stop the service and dismiss any photographer that violates his directives.
  The clergy of St. Paul’s have charge of the rehearsal.
 
1) All members of the wedding party are expected to attend and be on time.
 
2) Rehearsals cannot begin until all the participants in the wedding are present, and because of the solemnity of the preparation, rehearsals cannot and will not be rushed. (The average time of a rehearsal is approximately 45 minutes.)
 
3) A certifiable marriage license must be delivered prior to the wedding rehearsal.
 
4) All fees are due prior to the end of the rehearsal.
  Fees are based upon the considerable amount of time and effort on the part of clergy and staff that is ordinarily in excess of their regular duties.           *This can be obtained should the couple desire to have one and give plenty of lead time.
  1. Divorce
Marriage in which one or both parties have been previously married must observe the following stipulations: a) that one calendar year will have passed since the civil decree of divorcement, b) that documentation attend the application, c) that evidence of fiscal and personal responsibility toward former spouses and any children of that marriage will be provided, d) that the Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth will have issued a dispensation.
 
2. Concerning the Church Family
In keeping with the character of Holy Matrimony as a ministry in, for, and to the Body of Christ, members of the congregation are normally included to attend its solemnization.  It is not necessary to issue individual, written invitations to every, or even any, of the congregation:  The Banns of Marriage will be printed in the bulletin for three weeks prior and this constitutes a sufficient invitation. 
 
3. Service Bulletin
A simple service Bulletin is provided by St. Paul’s. You need to supply the names of all participating in the service to the parish office two weeks before the wedding. You may use an outside printer.
 
4. Alternate Sights
All weddings at St. Paul’s are to be conducted in the parish church or the Lady Chapel, though for good cause and with approval, weddings may be conducted in another church or consecrated chapel.  Requests for weddings in other settings, such as houses or gardens, is not permitted by the Diocese of Fort Worth.
 
5. Days of the Wedding
Weddings should be scheduled with the church before any other functions of the wedding are scheduled – i.e. reception, rehearsal dinner.  Rehearsals must begin no later than 6:00 p.m.
 
The wedding may be scheduled for any day of the week, though Sundays are discouraged unless it is a part of the normal Sunday services. 
 
Saturday weddings are to be scheduled to begin no later than 4:30 p.m.. 
 
 
 
Updated 8/16/12