1. The clergy are to be consulted well in advance of a proposed marriage. As our Canon (Church Law) on Marriage states, "It shall be the duty of those intending to marry to give due notice to the minister at least sixty days before the proposed wedding" (Canon XXI, On Marriage in the Church: The Anglican Church of Canada).

2. Couples being married in the Cathedral are expected to attend one of the Marriage Preparation Coursed offered by the Deanery of Avalon East, or an equivalent course. Couples who live away, and who will be coming to the city too soon before the wedding to participate in a course locally, are to attend such a course near where they are residing and have the Certificate of Attendance forwarded to the Cathedral. (A priest in the vicinity will assist in locating appropriate marriage preparation.)

3. A Marriage Licence is required by law and the marriage can be solemnized only within a period of thirty days following the date of issue of the licence. This Licence may be obtained from a local Issuer of Marriage Licences or from the Division of Vital Statistics, 5 Mews Place, St. John's. The licence should be brought to the Church office as soon as it is obtained, and in any event at least four days before the date of the wedding.

4. Banns may be published on three Sundays before the wedding. If the parties live in different parishes banns may be published in both parishes with the consent of the Rectors. (Banns are no longer required by law, and will only be published on request.)

5. Marriage is forbidden by law to any persons under the age of sixteen years. Minors (under age 19) require the written consent of their parents to the marriage.

6. Marriages are not solemnized during the two weeks before Easter (including Holy Saturday). Except in July and August when the choirs are on holiday, marriages may not take place in the Cathedral on Wednesday evenings.

7. The Cathedral clergy reserve the right and privilege of officiating at all marriages in the Cathedral. Special consideration will be given to a close relative who is an Anglican priest, or to the Anglican Rector of one of those intending to marry. In all cases, however, one of the Cathedral clergy is to be asked to participate. Other clergy may be invited to assist with the ceremony, but in all such instances a formal invitation must come from the Dean.

8. Except with consent, only the Cathedral Organist, or, if unavailale, the Organist's assistant, will play at weddings in the Cathedral. The choice of music, and of any accompanying musician (including soloist), must have the approval of the Cathedral Organist before any decision is made. Where consent has been given for someone other than the Cathedral Organist or their assistant to play, the normal fee is nonetheless to be paid to the Cathedral Organist or their assistant, whoever of them would otherwise be playing.

The Cathedral Organist is available for consultation at an agreed upon time, to discuss music for the wedding ceremony. The name and telephone number of the organist are available from the Cathedral Office. If the organist is not consulted at least three weeks prior to the wedding, it will be assumed that music will not be required. The organist does not usually attend the wedding rehearsal.

Because the Marriage Ceremony is a sacrament of the Church, appropriate music is that which is conducive to worship. Most appropriately they will be selections from Scripture, the Prayer Book, or a standard Hymn Book used in worship. Selections which have secular connotations are not permitted, nor popular songs - which are more appropriate at the reception rather than in the Church setting. This would include, but is not limited to, such titles as, There is Love, Wind Beneath my Wings , and You by My Side. The Lord's Prayer, being a congregational prayer , is not appropriately sung by a soloist.

All music, regardless of the performer, is subject to the approval of the Cathedral Organist in consultation with the Dean. Please direct all inquiries regarding soloists or other accompanists to the Cathedral Organist.

9. Minimum Fees:

Officiant Organist (basic fee) If a soloist is involved If the Organist is required to attend the wedding rehearsal Cleaning

$125 $100 add $50 add $50 $35

Applicants who are not identifiable contributors to the Cathedral, or who in the previous twelve months have not contributed at least $125, are required to pay an additional fee of $125. As those being married are considered to be adults, parental contributions are not considered for this purpose.

All of these fees are to be paid no later than the wedding rehearsal. They are to be put in separate envelopes and given to the officiating priest, or brought to the Cathedral Office. Assisting clergy should be remunerated for their services in accordance with and in addition to these fees.

10. If special flowers are wanted in the Sanctuary, the President of the Altar Guild must first be consulted. Her name and number are available from the Cathedral Office. Flowers may be placed near the Chancel steps only if her permission is first obtained. Artificial flowers are not permitted, except on pew markers.

11. The marriage services in The Book of Common Prayer and The Book of Alternative Services are the only two rites permitted in the Diocese.

12. Anglican Communicants are encouraged to consider being married in the setting of a Nuptial Eucharist. Communicants of other parts of the Church are welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Cathedral at a wedding.

13. The Wedding Candle is not used at the Cathedral.

14. Children younger than seven years of age have trouble remaining quiet for as long a time as the wedding ceremony. For their own comfort, as well as that of the wedding party and other guests, we strongly advise you not to expect them to act as Flower Girls or Ring Bearers.

15. Regulations concerning the use of photography are set out below , and a handout on the subject is available on request. We suggest you give the handout to your proposed photographer or/and video camera operator when booking their services.

a) Photographs may be taken when the wedding party is entering and leaving the Cathedral, and when the Marriage Registers are being signed. They may not be taken (with or without flash) during the time the actual service is in progress.

b) Since we frequently receive requests for photography during the time when rings are exchanged, the Officiant, upon prior request, may remain after the service to pose with the Bride and Groom depicting this part of the ceremony.

c) A video may be taken, but only from a fixed position as directed. The camera may not be moved during the ceremony. Additional lighting is not permitted.

16. Normally, the Great West Doors of the Cathedral will be opened for the departure. However, when there is rain it may be better to leave from the side porch.

17. A receiving line is permitted on the west steps or, if the weather is inclement, at the back of the Cathedral, only if no other wedding or service is scheduled within an hour after the end of your wedding. It is expected such receiving line will have ended at least half an hour before any such following service is scheduled to begin, to allow for the comfort of those attending it.

18. Under no circumstances is confetti, rice, etc., to be used in the Cathedral or on the Cathedral grounds.