St. Mark's is honored that you are considering having your wedding here. The information below is for those who wish to have an Episcopal wedding done by the clergy of the parish. It is also possible to rent the church for non-Episcopal weddings and blessings. Please contact the parish office for further details.

The Episcopal Church takes marriage very seriously as a God-given gift and calling, and we at St. Mark's will work with you to plan and support your marriage and help you to have a lovely wedding.

This page explains the services we offer and what is involved in having your wedding here. We hope it will help you decide whether to proceed further with arrangements. Should you decide to have your wedding here, please speak with the Rector following Sunday services or phone the parish office (510.848.5107) for an appointment.

The purpose of a wedding ceremony is "to witness and bless the joining together of [a] man and [a] woman in Holy Matrimony" (from the beginning of the marriage service, Book of Common Prayer, page 423). The Church defines Christian marriage as "a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God” and states: “in the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church" (BCP, 422). Individual priests and parishes may develop additional guidelines for their own participation.

The following information addresses those questions most frequently asked by couples planning their wedding.

Timing

Arrangements should be begun at least three to six months prior to the desired wedding date, though dates may be reserved earlier. In no case will we reserve a date with less than thirty days notice. Plan to have adequate time for both the required premarital counseling and to obtain permission of the Bishop for remarriage if there has been a prior divorce. Public announcements of dates should be made only after clearance by the officiating priest. Weddings are not normally performed during Lent.

Pre-Marital Counseling

The Episcopal Church, understanding that "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" (marriage service, BCP, 423), requires each couple to receive counseling from the officiating priest or one designated by that person. Normally, there are three or four sessions of one to one-and-a-half hours each. The sessions cover major issues of married life and healthy family relationships; personal hopes, dreams, values and priorities; and the theology and spiritual meaning of marriage as understood and expressed by the Episcopal Church. If either or both of you have been divorced, special attention is paid to understanding what led to the breakdown of the previous marriage and how to use that understanding to form a strong foundation in this marriage. In cases where geography is a problem (away at school, etc.), arrangements can made for the counseling to take place in some other locale (or here, for a wedding elsewhere).

Place

St. Mark's can accommodate up to 350 people in the main church and 40 in the chapel. Facilities are available on-site for your reception (up to 150 people) if desired. Alternatively, the ceremony may be performed at another location approved by the officiating priest (e.g., a private home or an outdoor setting).

The Ceremony

Words: Only the options offered in the Book of Common Prayer will be used.

Music: Must be suitable for a service of Christian worship. All Musical arrangements must be made with the Director of Music, Mr. George Emblom by calling 510.845.0888. His services shall be utilized at all weddings at St. Mark's requiring keyboard music. The service of another organist/pianist may be used only with his permission; in this case he shall still receive his usual fee. This may be altered upon application. All payment is to be received prior to the actual date of the wedding.

Flowers: Floral arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, etc., may be handled by the florist of your choice. Altar flowers are to remain for the following Sunday service. They may be done by the florist or by the Parish Flower Guild. There are some limits for the placement of flowers in the sanctuary.

Photographer: You may select the photographer of your choice. Pictures are permitted before the service and for fifteen minutes following in the church. There will be no flash photography during the ceremony and videographers must use available light. There must be no movement or other intrusion of cameras during the ceremony. All photographers and videographers must sign an agreement regarding these conditions to be filed with the wedding coordinator one week prior to the wedding.

Participants: In addition to the members of the wedding party, you are invited to include family and friends as readers, greeters, guest book attendants, etc. If you desire to have an outside priest or minister participate, the invitation must be issued with the approval of the Rector of St. Mark's. Special arrangements may be made for the service of acolytes, singers or additional instrumentalists.

Costs

Certain fees are charged for services rendered (e.g., wedding coordination, musicians, sexton/janitor, altar guild) while others are for use of facilities and materials. A donation for clergy services is customary. Fees differ for members and non-members. A full current fee schedule may be obtained from the office and will be fully discussed with you by the wedding coordinator at your initial consultation. Rental of the parking garage must be arranged directly with the operator, Metropolitan System Parking (1-877-794-8777).

We hope this information will assist you in deciding whether to invite St. Mark's into the planning and celebration of your wedding. Should you need clarification or further information at any point, please contact us. May God bless you in your life together.