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Check-list for making wedding arrangements:
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By expressing a desire to be married in the sacred space of the Church, the couple is also indicating their desire and intent that the life, faith, and worship of the Church will be a part of their marriage. The wedding is a sacred moment in the lives of the couple but also in the life of the Church.
If you are willing to consider seriously the commitment inherent in contracting a Christian marriage, then you are ready to inquire about a wedding at the Parish of St. Christopher in Kailua. Who may be married at St. Christopher’s The Canons (Rules) of the Episcopal Church require that at least one of the two persons being married be a baptized Christian (in any Church). This is not the case for wedding “reenactments” - that is, for those already legally married who are “reenacting” their wedding in the Church. If you are from outside the area If one or both of your are members of an Episcopal parish outside of our geographical area, but because of family or other considerations wish to be married at St. Christopher’s, arrangements can be made with the support and written consent of the priest of your home parish. The clergy of both parishes will cooperate with one another and you in the preparations for your wedding. If neither of you currently has a church home, we at St. C’s invite you to worship with us and get to know us. We worship on Sunday mornings at 7:15 am and 9:30 am. Please introduce yourself to the Rector, the Rev. Giovan King, on your first visit, and fill out a visitor sheet at the back of the Church (the ushers will be happy to assist you) or a yellow visitor card found in the pew. Please continue to join us in worship and also for coffee in the parish hall after services. This will allow you to explore whether St. C’s provides a Christian community in which you can feel comfortable both spiritually and socially. Arrangements for the wedding The first step in arranging a wedding is to call the Church office and express an interest in being married at St. Christopher’s. The Parish Administrator will ask questions about you, your church affiliation, and your plans. Alternatively, you may complete the below form. Ideally, your first contact should be made at least four to six months before you hope to be married. After your first call to the office, a call to the Rector is appropriate and if, after speaking with you, the Rector sees no obvious impediment to your being married in the Church, you may schedule a date for your wedding on the Church calendar. Upon approval of the Rector, it is possible for a clergyperson other than the Rector to perform your wedding. The Parish Administrator maintains the master calendar for the Church and she will be able to tell you if the date you have in mind is open on the calendar, and if the clergy and organist (if you choose to have organ music) are available. Please keep in mind when you are selecting a wedding date that weddings are not normally conducted during Holy Week (the week before Easter). Community activities in Kailua also make it impossible to have a wedding on the fourth of July. In planning the day for your wedding, be also aware that weddings may not conflict with the Church’s worship schedule. If the wedding date you have selected is available on the Church calendar, a deposit of $250.00 will reserve that date. If for any reason the Church or its ministers cancel your wedding, the deposit will be refunded to you. If you cancel your wedding it will not be refunded. However, the deposit may be transferred if you postpone or reschedule your wedding date. When you have consulted the clergy and paid your deposit, the Church office will make arrangements for you to begin planning your wedding with the St. Christopher’s staff, and to begin your pre-marital counseling. Pre-marital Meetings The Rector, or a counselor of the Rector’s choosing, typically meets with a couple three times before the wedding. The couple meets with the Rector to plan the wedding, and also discuss any concerns that might arise. Marriage License The bridal couple must obtain a Hawaii marriage license and comply with all state regulations. Click here for more information from the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Vital Records. Music If you choose to have organ music, our Director of Music, or another talented musician that the Director of Music selects, may play for your wedding. There is a fee for this and it appears on the wedding application form. You may also have other forms of music, subject to the approval of the Director of Music. Rehearsal A one-hour rehearsal, usually held the day before the wedding, is provided as part of your St. C’s wedding package. It is important for the bridal couple, parents, ushers, bridal attendants and other participants in the wedding to attend and be on time. Reception Our parish hall and kitchen are available for wedding receptions. There is a separate fee for this and arrangements for a Church reception are made through the Parish Administrator. |