Chatham, Massachusetts

Weddings

Newlyweds Andrew "Drew" and Nina (Broderick) Corcoran were married at St. Christopher's.

At St. Christopher's, The Rev. Brian McGurk considers weddings a ministry. "It helps strengthen marriage and families," he says.

Hundreds of couples have been married in our church or chapel, many of them from off-Cape. We assist couples with music, floral arrangements and reception plans.

We are delighted that you are interested in being married in St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. The church sees marriage as a deep and sanctified covenant: "Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows." (Book of Common Prayer, p. 861)

Marriage is a sacramental rite of the Episcopal Church, and a wedding is a sacred liturgy. At St. Christopher’s, all weddings are done according to the rite prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), with appropriate dignity. All marriages are performed by the clergy of St. Christopher’s Church.

We also welcome same-sex couples who are considering marriage. The bishop of Eastern Massachusetts has given our clergy permission to perform the marriage ceremony and sign the marriage license.  

No weddings are permitted at St. Christopher’s Church during the penitential season of Lent.

To be married at St. Christopher’s, at least one of the persons must be a baptized Christian. If one or both of the persons is divorced, the clergy must obtain the permission of the Bishop of Massachusetts in order to perform the marriage.

The feasibility of performing a wedding will be determined after an initial meeting of the clergy with the couple.

Premarital counseling is required by Episcopal canon of all couples who wish to be married at St. Christopher’s. The counseling will be done by a priest at St. Christopher’s.

Music for the service is chosen by the couple in consultation with St. Christopher’s Church organist, who plays for all weddings and will arrange for soloists and instrumentalists as requested. Non-classical music should be reserved for the wedding reception.

All floral arrangements and decorations must be approved by the church at least 3 weeks prior to the wedding.

Still photography and video are permitted with certain important restrictions. All photographers must report to the officiating clergy before the service for instructions. Flash photography, whether by the professional photographer or wedding guests, is not permitted during the service. With clergy approval, a stationary video camera (but no special lighting) may be used. Clergy are happy to cooperate in re-staging any part afterward for additional photographs.

The use of confetti, petals, rice or birdseed is prohibited in the church or on the grounds, as is the release of balloons. Aisle runners and unity candles are not permitted.

The Parish Hall may be used for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Arrangements should be made at the time the wedding and rehearsal dates are placed on the church calendar.

Fees for Weddings

Usage fee exemption: Usage fees are waived for an active member of St. Christopher’s (attends services on a regular basis) who is a pledger of record for two years or more.

Wedding Service

Usage fees:

            Church                        $1,500
            Chapel                            $500

Standard fees (payable by all)

            Sexton                           $100  (Cash)

            Clergy                            $500 

Parish Hall (for receptions)

            Wedding reception     $750    ($200 for Communicants)
                        (depending on number of guests and setup required)

            Rehearsal dinner         $250    ($100 for Communicants)

Music fees

$300 for the services of the organist, Julie Winchell, (music consultation, rehearsal and wedding). If there is special music, an extra rehearsal with soloists, or more than one consultation, this is increased to an additional $50 per hour. Ms Winchell may be reached at (508) 385-2022.

For the services of soloists: their fees vary and should be paid directly to them. Our music director will arrange and advise.

Church musicians depend upon wedding fees as part of their compensation. If a couple wishes to bring an outside organist, and St. Christopher’s organist would have been available to play for the wedding, the basic music fee must still be paid.

Any outside organist or musicians must be approved by St. Christopher’s organist.

A deposit of $500 is required to reserve your wedding date. The deposit is non-refundable if the wedding is cancelled less than six months before that date.

The balance of all fees is due in the Parish Office no later than one month prior to the rehearsal. The check may be made out to St. Christopher’s Church.

 The wedding license is the responsibility of the couple. It should be given to the clergy before the rehearsal begins.

 Flowers

All floral arrangements and decorations must be approved by the church at least 3 weeks prior to the wedding.

 Two matching arrangements are required for each side of the altar. If you wish to leave flowers for weekend services, please advise the office at least two weeks prior, (508) 945-2832.

 The use of confetti, petals, rice or birdseed is prohibited in the church or on the grounds, as is the release of balloons. Aisle runners and unity candles are not permitted.

Would you like more information? You can reach us at (508) 945-2832 or by email. You may also complete this downloadable form and mail it to St. Christopher’s Church, 625 Main St., Chatham, MA  02633.

We recommend

Click here for a list of florists, photographers, and caterers who are members or friends of St. Christopher’s parish. They are familiar with church policies and facilities.