Marriage
Congratulations on your engagement.
The Sacrament of Marriage
This is an exciting time for you, and we’re glad you’re considering a church wedding. Before deciding, you should know how the church views marriage and its requirements.
The church views Holy Matrimony as a sacrament, seeking God’s blessing for your marriage. By marrying in the church, you join a faith community that supports and nurtures your married life. To be married at Saint Ann’s, all couples must become active church members.
Please read the Wedding Policy and complete the Marriage Form. If you have any questions contact the church office to schedule an appointment with one of the clergy. They would be glad to meet with you and discuss marriage.
Marriage Qualifications
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The parish clergy’s permission is required for every wedding at Saint Ann's.
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Couples marrying at Saint Ann's must meet the Episcopal Church’s Canons and New York State laws.
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The ceremony will follow the Book of Common Prayer (1979) or the “Witness and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” (for same-sex marriages). No other ceremonies are allowed.
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Couples must enter pre-marital counseling with the clergy. If out of town, another Episcopal priest can do the counseling and write a recommendation.
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Permission from the Bishop of Long Island is required for previously married couples. A meeting with the clergy and the bishop’s permission are needed before arrangements.
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Weddings are not allowed during Lent (before Easter) and Advent (before Christmas), which are periods of preparation and penance in the Church.
Marriage License
It is the responsibility of the couple marrying to obtain a valid New York State Marriage License. To obtain this license, please call the Islip Town Clerk at 631-224-5490 or the Brookhaven Town Clerk at 631-655-7828. The license may not be used until 24 hours after it has been obtained and is valid for 60 days from the date of filing. Please note: If the license has not been given to the clergy person taking the service, there can be no wedding. You should bring the license to the wedding rehearsal.
Bulletins and Fees
The Clergy or Parish Administrator will show you the wedding bulletin template. The church will prepare copies of the bulletin for the congregation to follow the service.
The fees associated with the wedding will be handled through the Parish Administrator and not the clergy. Please call our church office and the Parish Administrator will provide you with a list of our current fees.
Music
Wedding music at Saint Ann’s should be sacred in nature, meaning your selections should come from the vast collection of classical music which was written specifically for use in the church. Vocal music should draw its text from either the Bible or the Hymnal 1982.
You should contact our Minister of Music (Kathy Senese) via the Church Office at least two months before your wedding date and arrange a meeting to discuss the music for your wedding. The Minister of Music and the Rector will need to approve all music.
Photographs and Videos
The clergy or church office will be glad to provide you with a copy of our leaflet Photography and Videography at Weddings in St Ann’s Church. This contains guidance for wedding photographers, so that they can capture the joy of the occasion without disruption to the service.
Flowers and Decorations
You can buy your floral arrangements from your chosen florist. The church flowers on Sundays are supplied by the Bayport Flower House, who know the church and what works well there.
We suggest two arrangements behind the altar, or pew bows and small pew flowers. You’re not required to leave your flowers after the wedding, but may do so. If you do, inform the church office beforehand.
Please note: we don’t permit carpet runners, unity candles, confetti, or rice. Rose petals and birdseed are alternatives.