Calvary Cathedral's Policy on the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage

Who may be married at Calvary Cathedral?

The Episcopal Church understands marriage to be a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman. It requires one of the couple be a baptized Christian and have a continuing relationship with an Episcopal/Anglican Church and have at least two adult witnesses present for the marriage to conform to the laws of the State of South Dakota and the canons (rules) of the Church. Persons living out of the area who have a continuing relationship with another Episcopal/Anglican Church should consult with their own clergy about choosing Calvary as the venue for the celebration and blessing of their marriage.

Persons who have no connection with a community of faith are invited to explore a relationship with Calvary or some other congregation and the Calvary clergy will be happy to assist you in this process.

What do we do first to start arranging the celebration of our marriage?

The first step in planning the celebration and blessing of your marriage at Calvary is to contact a member of the Cathedral clergy and receive the Calvary Cathedral Wedding Manual. The manual contains all of the information needed to plan this holy event. Weddings cannot be added to the Cathedral calendar until an Episcopal priest has agreed to preside. Other Episcopal clergy are welcome to preside at the celebration and blessing of a marriage at Calvary Cathedral. Non-Episcopal clergy may assist at the liturgy at the invitation of the presiding priest. In every case the liturgy shall conform to the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in The Book of Common Prayer.

The clergy will instruct couples in the nature of Christian marriage and make every effort to help them prepare for such a marriage. Applicants from out of this area who cannot meet with the officiating priest may need to arrange for this counsel with their own priest. The priest will provide a letter of introduction certifying that you are known to them and have provided appropriate instruction and counsel. Any priest may refuse to officiate at any wedding at any time after due counsel with the couple.

Ninety (90) days notice is needed to complete the application and counseling which the Church requires to fulfill her pastoral responsibility.

In no case will any marriage be solemnized with less than 30 days notice.

We have an Episcopal priest, what is the next step?

Step two is notification of the Cathedral Office after an Episcopal priest has agreed to solemnize your marriage. You must call the Cathedral office, (605) 336-3486, to reserve your wedding date and wedding rehearsal date at this point. Please do not call to schedule either date until an Episcopal priest has agreed to preside at your wedding as we will need their name for our records and will be contacting them if they are not Cathedral clergy. There is a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 due with your application. The deposit will be applied to the remainder of your wedding costs.

A wedding rehearsal is required within the week prior to the wedding and we strongly recommend securing the advice and counsel of a priest as to appropriate dates and confirm the availability of the Cathedral before you make plans for the wedding reception!

Weddings are not scheduled during certain times on the liturgical calendar and reservations are accepted up to eighteen months in advance. It is possible, although unlikely the date will have to be changed because of Diocesan or Cathedral calendar imperatives. Please reconfirm your wedding date with the Cathedral office six (6) months in advance and reconfirm the date and time of the rehearsal approximately two (2) months in advance. Any change in dates or times must be approved by the Cathedral office and the officiating priest.

What is the Wedding Coordinator's role in the ceremony planning?

Calvary has a wedding coordinator, who ensures that your wedding runs smoothly and in a manner consistent with the traditions of the Church. This person will be helpful to you dealing with decorations and photography for the wedding proper.

Wedding consultants may be helpful in connection with the reception and other matters, but the liturgy and related Cathedral arrangements are the sole responsibility of the clergy and wedding coordinator., These arrangements will only be made with the bride and/or groom, as a wedding consultant is not considered part of the marriage.

What decorations can I use?

The Church furnishings and architecture have been planned to focus upon the altar table as the symbol of God's presence. The alter table is where couple exchange their vows before God. Since elegant simplicity marks this holy place, elaborate decoration should be avoided. The flowers at the High Altar must fit within the space available and Cathedral vases must be used. Consult with the wedding coordinator before planning any additional decorations.

When and where can photographs and video be taken?

No flash or additional lighting for any kind of photography, including video-taping, will be permitted during the liturgy. Limited available-light photographs and videos may be taken during the liturgy but ONLY from an inconspicuous place. You must consult with the wedding coordinator regarding what location would be appropriate.

What music can be used during the marriage ceremony?

Usually, the Cathedral organist plays for all services, including weddings, and those services are covered in your fee. The Cathedral organist has first refusal on all weddings and will play, schedule permitting. Only the Cathedral organist or person appointed by the church may play the organ.

The clergy are responsible for the music in the Church and at Calvary Cathedral, the organist has been assigned the selection of appropriate music. Chosen music is expected to be designed for use in Divine Worship. Readings should be from either the Bible or based on scriptural motifs as in The Hymnal 1982 and The Book of Common Prayer. Soloists may have a place at the reception, but are not encouraged during the liturgy.

What does it cost to have my wedding at Calvary Cathedral?

Active Church members may have their marriages solemnized for a total fee of $250. Active Church members are confirmed persons who are regular in church attendance and indicate a willingness to pledge time, money, and talent to the work of God's church. This fee includes the use of the Cathedral and services rendered by the Cathedral clergy, organist, sexton, and wedding coordinator.

Inactive Church members who meet legal and church minimums may have their marriages celebrated and blessed only at the discretion of the clergy. An inactive member is a person who neither worships regularly nor supports the Cathedral with a pledge of time, money, or talent. A fee of $450 is charged to inactive members who have no connection with the Cathedral or other parish in the Episcopal Church.

If the officiant is a priest of the parish in which you are a member, then the fee charged will be the rate given to Cathedral members. Please note that this fee does not include the services of that visiting clergy person. The couple should discuss the clergy fee with their chosen officiant.

These fees are very close to what it costs the Cathedral to host a wedding and they are not intended to be a barrier. The clergy will be happy to explore with you simpler and less expensive ways of solemnizing your marriage if the fee is not within your budget.

Calvary Cathedral Wedding Policy - rev. May 2006