A Sacred Celebration of Christian Marriage

At St. James Anglican Church, we believe that Christian marriage is a holy and joyful covenant, a gift of God in creation and a sign of Christ’s love for his Church. We are honoured to welcome couples who desire to begin their married life in the presence of God, surrounded by prayer, beauty, and the support of the Christian community.

For nearly two centuries, St. James has stood in the heart of North Grenville as a place of worship, prayer, and celebration. It is our privilege to share in one of life’s most meaningful moments by offering a setting of reverence, grace, and timeless beauty for the celebration of Holy Matrimony.

Weddings at St. James are celebrated according to the marriage liturgy of either the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or the Book of Alternative Services (BAS) and are officiated by a member of the Anglican clergy.

At the discretion of the officiant, a member of the clergy from another Christian denomination may also take part in the service. The liturgy is prepared in consultation with the officiant so that the service remains faithful to the Anglican tradition while also reflecting the solemn joy of the occasion.

We encourage couples to contact the Parish well in advance of their desired wedding date. An initial conversation with the Rector or officiating priest will provide an opportunity to discuss the nature of Christian marriage, the hopes you have for your wedding day, and the practical details involved in planning the service.

Preparation for marriage is an important part of the journey toward your wedding day. Couples will meet with the officiant for pastoral conversation and preparation in the months leading up to the wedding. These meetings are intended not only to plan the liturgy, but also to support and strengthen the couple as they prepare to enter into the lifelong covenant of marriage.

Readings from Holy Scripture and the selection of music will be chosen in consultation with the officiant.

Because a church wedding is first and foremost an act of Christian worship, all elements of the service should reflect the dignity and sacred character of the occasion. Music should be suitable for use within the church and appropriate to the liturgy. The officiant will be pleased to guide couples in choosing readings, hymns, and musical selections that are both meaningful and fitting for the celebration of marriage in the Anglican tradition.

The wedding will normally be officiated by the Rector of St. James or another Anglican priest appointed for that purpose. If a couple wishes to invite a member of the clergy from another Christian denomination to participate in the service, this may be arranged in conversation with the officiant and in accordance with Anglican practice and diocesan guidelines.

A wedding rehearsal is usually held shortly before the wedding day in order to ensure that everyone involved in the service is comfortable with the order of the liturgy and the practical flow of the ceremony. The officiant will advise the couple regarding the date and time of the rehearsal and who should be present.

We are happy to work with couples to ensure that the practical arrangements for the day are handled with care and reverence. Questions regarding flowers, photography, videography, decorations, and the use of the church building may be discussed during the planning process.

We ask that all arrangements respect the sacred character of the church as a place of worship and prayer.

Wedding fees vary depending on the particular arrangements for the service and may include the use of the church, the officiant, musicians, and other related costs. Full information about fees and booking procedures will be provided upon inquiry.

To begin the conversation about celebrating your wedding at St. James, please contact the Parish Office or the Rector. We would be delighted to speak with you and to help you plan a service that is prayerful, beautiful, and centred in the love of God.

A wedding at St. James is more than a ceremony in a beautiful church; it is an act of worship in which a man and a woman make their vows before God and the gathered community, asking for his blessing upon their life together.

If you are considering St. James Anglican Church for your wedding, we would be honoured to walk with you as you prepare for this sacred and joyful day.