Weddings

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. 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. The union of two persons in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore 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.
– Book of Common Prayer 1979

For members of St. James and their families

Persons meeting these criteria should schedule a meeting with one of the St. James clergy to discuss policies and procedures with regard to scheduling a wedding.

For members of the diocese, who are not members of St. James

Episcopalians in the Diocese of Alabama who are not members of St. James should have their Rector, Vicar or priest-in-Charge write a letter or email to our Rector requesting that St. James celebrate their marriage.

For other Episcopalians

On occasion, it is possible to schedule weddings for Episcopalians outside of the diocese of the Central Gulf Coast who are active in their home parishes. To request that this take place, the potential candidates should ask their Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge to write a letter or email to the Rector requesting that St. James celebrate the marriage.

Once this letter or email has been received, a St. James staff person will contact the potential bride or groom to schedule an initial appointment in order to discuss a St. James wedding.

For other baptized Christians

It is the policy of St. James Episcopal Church that all weddings must follow Episcopal liturgy and be officiated by Episcopal clergy. Contact the church office to schedule an initial appointment to discuss a St. James wedding. We cannot schedule a wedding at St. James until this initial meeting has taken place.

Please Note

St. James Episcopal Church (and Episcopal churches in general) do not schedule weddings during the season of Lent.