Start the Process
If you desire to begin the wedding process at Saint Andrew’s, please contact Lauren Fitzpatrick, via email or phone (408) 867-3493. A minimum of three months before a wedding is to occur is required to accommodate the process.
Within a few days of your first contact with Lauren, the rector or another priest will be assigned to officiate at your service. If you desire a particular priest at Saint Andrew’s, please indicate that to Lauren. If you wish to have a priest (must be an Episcopal priest) not on our staff participate in your wedding, please make that arrangement after speaking with Lauren.
The rector/priest will be in touch by email within a week of your contact with Lauren to arrange a first conversation by phone. An in-person meeting with both members of the couple will follow. Please do not firmly set a date until you have met with the priest and together determined that Saint Andrew’s is the right place for your wedding.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Pre-marital counseling is both a requirement of The Episcopal Church and a strong commitment on the part of Saint Andrew’s clergy. A minimum of three pre-marital meetings will be held, with the expectation that both parties will attend. These meetings are to provide as much preparation as possible for you as a couple in taking this significant life step and to satisfy the priest that to the best of his/her knowledge, the couple has a reasonable and holy hope for a lifelong marriage. Your priest will share more details about this process in the initial meeting.
If either of you has been divorced, our clergy must receive permission from the Bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real to perform the marriage ceremony. Your priest will explain this process.
Service Details
Planning the liturgy (service details) occurs under the direction of the priest. Each couple is encouraged to select the scripture readings for their service. Review suggested readings here. Other readings may be suggested and used with the approval of the officiating clergy.
Each couple will meet with the Director of Music, who will be creative and flexible in helping you choose music appropriate to the sacred space and solemnity of the liturgy. Bring your ideas and preferences to him. Because of the sacred nature of the Marriage Rite, music outside of the Classical/Sacred repertoire (popular songs, show tunes, etc.) is best used at your reception. The music of the service is ultimately at the discretion of the officiating priest. Saint Andrew’s music director must be consulted and give consent if other musicians are to be invited.
While photographs are treasured reminders of this special day, photographers must adhere to requirements which preserve the sacred nature of the service. Arrangements must be made prior to the day of the service if you wish to take photographs before or after the wedding. The following guidelines for professional photographers and videographers must be carefully followed:
Flash may not be used during the service, except during the entering procession, and then only if equipment and photographer remain behind the congregation, with the flash directed at door (away from the congregation). During the service, only photography with a quiet shutter is permitted from the chapels, choir loft and/or behind the congregation.
Flowers
Flowers are permitted in both the church and narthex. Saint Andrew’s uses a professional florist, who is accustomed to decorating our space according to the following guidelines:
- No flowers or other decorations may be placed on the altar, itself.
- Flowers in the altar area will remain with Saint Andrew’s. All other flowers and decorations must be removed within two hours following the service.
- Floral arrangements near the altar may not “overtake” the altar area.
Only a Few "Dont's"
Saint Andrew’s does not permit the use of aisle runners or “Unity Candles.” Rice, flower petals, confetti, etc. may not be scattered in the church or on the church property.
