The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage is a public sacramental action of the Church. In this rite a sacred and solemn covenant is publicly entered into in the exchange of vows between a man and a woman. That holy bond and covenant is then acknowledged by the Church and State, and finally is solemnly blessed in the Name of God. It is a tremendously significant event in the life of a couple, their families, the Church, and the community. It signifies to us all the mystical union between Christ and the Church, and the hope and sacrificial love which are the foundation of Christian life. In order to assist couples and their families in this understanding and to respect the dignity of the Sacrament, these guidelines for preparation are published.

Marriage in the Church is carefully regulated by both Canon Law (of the Church) and Civil Law (of the State). Both must be complied with in all respects by all parties in arranging for the celebration of Holy Matrimony. The many regulations are in place to insure the dignity of the Sacrament, that the ceremony reflects what the Church intends about Holy Matrimony, and that the marriage is both sacramentally valid and civilly lawful. Please regard the language and many directives which follow in that spirit. They are not chosen to make life difficult for brides and grooms!

1. Under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, applications for marriage must be made to the Rector of the congregation at least three months in advance. This is a minimum of time required to administer the premarital counselling mandated by the Church and to attend to the many other details which inevitably arise. Normally, at least sixty (60) days notice is expected (when neither party is divorced).
2. An appointment should be made with the Rector of Saint John's Church to discuss all aspects of the service before any dates or arrangements are made. Weddings are conducted by the Rector of Saint John's Church. Clergy other than the Rector must both be invited and authorised by the Rector to participate or officiate at any ceremony. This Sacrament of the Church is conducted for:
   Active members of Saint John's Church; b) Persons who are active members of another congregation, who have a bona fide established relationship with Saint John's Church, who have received the permission of their Rector to be wed other than in the congregation of their membership, and whose Rector has provided the canonically mandated instruction for them.
3. If either party is divorced, extra time is necessary to obtain special licence from the Bishop of Maryland for the marriage to be performed, if indeed such license is granted. This takes at least thirty (30) days, and must include the endorsement of the officiating Priest: therefore a minimum of three months' consultation with the Priest is normally required between the date of application and the proposed wedding day. Permission from the Bishop to be wed must be procured, through the Priest, prior to any other planning, decisions, or announcements.
4. The church's calendar must be checked for date and time before any plans may be set or announced. At Saint John's Church, in accordance with ancient law and custom, it is not permitted to solemnise marriage during the seasons of Advent, Lent, Passion-tide, on Sundays, or on a Principal Feast or Fast of the Church.
5. Before the wedding can take place the state Marriage Licence must be brought by one of the couple (traditionally, the Groom) to the wedding rehearsal and be delivered to the officiating Priest. No marriage will be conducted without a properly issued Licence in hand.
6. If, in the sole opinion of the officiating Cleric, either member of the nuptial couple's judgement or conduct is in any manner impaired by any form of substance prior to the rite, the ceremony will not proceed. If, in the sole opinion of the officiating Cleric, any member of the bridal party's judgement or conduct is in any manner impaired by any form of substance prior to the rite, that person shall not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.

II. CEREMONIAL

1. All decisions pertaining to the service in the Church must be discussed and decided by the bridal couple, under the authority and direction of the officiating Priest. The Priest does not enter into deliberations about any aspect of the service with parents, relatives or friends. Services conform in all details to The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 422-432. There are some options which the couple may elect, but it must be borne in mind that the form of the service itself is prescribed by the Church, and neither the couple nor the Priest is free to alter the service beyond the rubrical options.
2. The wedding ceremonies are conducted in Saint John's Church.
3. A rehearsal of the wedding party is required The Clergy alone are responsible for all ceremonial decisions. "Bridal Consultants" are not allowed to supervise any aspect of the church's service. The rehearsal, and the ceremony itself, begin promptly at the appointed times. The scheduling of the Church and the staff precludes any tardiness. The Vestry of Saint John's Church assumes no liability for personal possessions left unattended anywhere on Church property at any time.
4. Communicants of the Anglican Communion may choose to have their wedding in the context of the Holy Eucharist, as the Prayer Book rite assumes. With or without the Holy Eucharist, participants may be selected to read the Lessons from Holy Scripture (excluding the Gospel at the Holy Eucharist) and/or the nuptial intercessions. [q.v. The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 422-432]

III. MUSIC

1. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a sacred service, one of the most solemn rites of the Church. Music preceding, during and immediately following the service is intended to engage the Congregation for participation in that rite. In general, current popular music is not appropriate to the rite and is not considered for inclusion. The Book of Common Prayer directs that texts for all music in our services be taken from the Holy Bible, The Book of Common Prayer, or texts congruent with them. All music played or sung before, during or after the service is subject to the approval of The Master of the Choir and Organist, and finally, the Rector. In general, music for the service is selected from pastoral experience and repertoire. Special requests might be considered, at the discretion of the Organist, and when deemed appropriate by the Rector. Soloists from Saint John's Church Choir are given first right of refusal for performance of vocal music.
2. Hymns, psalms, or anthems are most appropriate for the Procession and instrumental music is an acceptable alternative. The "bridal march" from Wagner's opera Lohengrin is sometimes requested. Those familiar with the music in that opera, foreshadowing a doomed union, recognise that it is inappropriate for a Christian ceremony.

All arrangements for flowers are made through a representative of the Altar Society of Saint John's Church, who will contact you at the appropriate time after the permissibility of marriage in the Church has been established. The elaborate interior of the church exerts strong influence upon the choice, colour, and arrangement of flowers. The Society arranges and places all flowers in the Church. The cost of flowers and of their arrangement will be billed to the bride or groom. Boutonnieres and bouquets for the wedding group are not provided through the Society.

Professional photographers, and invited guests, must be informed that flash photography during the service is strictly prohibited, and will not be allowed during this sacred rite. Simply put, if this prohibition is ignored, the service will stop. Group photographs may be made in the Church at times arranged, or immediately following the service, if this will not inconvenience those awaiting the nuptial party at a Reception. Videotaping of the service may be undertaken only with the consent of and under the explicit direction of the officiating Cleric. Flash photography is permitted following the service.

Out of concern for the wildlife which inhabit the grounds of the Church, and the pedestrians who use the walkways, the use of rice, confetti, "sparkles," birdseed, etc., is strictly prohibited.

A current schedule of required and optional fees should be obtained from the Church Office (410.467.4793) as soon as the wedding has been scheduled. NOTE WELL: All fees are due, and must be paid, at the time of the rehearsal, and should be given to the officiating Priest.

Parking for the wedding party is reserved in the circle in front of the Church. Guests may use the marked spaces of the Church lot, the Parish House lot (behind the Parish House), and the available on-street parking.

The correct style and address of the Church for invitations should read:

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