Weddings at St. James

Wedding Customary

St. James’ Church, Texarkana

 James’ Church adheres to the Theology and Form of Christian Marriage in the Book of Common Prayer (1979).

 Anyone who desires to have their matrimony celebrated at St. James’ Church should first call on the Rector before any plans are made. In general, only those who are active baptized members of St. James, their dependents/children, or have been regularly attending St. James for at least six months, may have their marriages solemnized at St. James.

 All marriages must meet the canonical requirements of The Episcopal Church: couples must notify the Rector within 30 days prior to the solemnization, have the right to marry according to State law, do so willingly and without fraud, provide proof that at least one individual is baptized, complete the requisite pre-marital counseling and sign the following declaration of intent. (I.18.1-4).

 Declaration of Intention:

 We understand the teaching of the church that God's purpose for our marriage is for our mutual joy, for the help and comfort we will give to each other in prosperity and adversity, and, when it is God's will, for the gift and heritage of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of God. We also understand that our marriage is to be unconditional, mutual, exclusive, faithful, and lifelong; and we engage to make the utmost effort to accept these gifts and fulfill these duties, with the help of God and the support of our community.

 In the case of a remarriage after divorce, for either member of the couple, a judgment and permission must be obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. This is a more time-consuming process that the Rector will explain. 

The Rector has full discretion to decline to solemnize or bless any marriage (I.18.7). That decision will also be binding on any cleric assigned to this parish, residing within the bounds of the parish, or invited to participate. This decision will also preclude the use of any parish property for such services. It is the prerogative of the Rector to solemnize marriages, and any request for additional/other clergy to participate must be approved by the Rector, and no invitations for additional clergy shall be issued until permission is granted.

All planning for the wedding ceremony is done in conjunction with the Rector or his designee. Wedding coordinators/consultants are not a part of this process, nor will they be allowed to participate in any rehearsal of the liturgical rites.

 Flowers are the responsibility of the couple, but the Altar Guild is available for consultation.

Music is arranged in consultation with the Organist/Choirmaster. The Hymnal 1982 is the standard hymnal at St. James. Popular Secular Music is not to be used as a part of the ceremony, however, with Rector and Organist approval it may be used for preludes and postludes. There is no provision for recorded music. Any soloists must be approved by the Organist/Choirmaster. Fee schedule is below.

If the parish is to provide programs all names must be to the office three weeks prior to the event. If programs are published externally, Rector will review for accuracy four weeks before the event.

While there is no fee for the wedding service, a contribution to the Church is expected. A suggested guideline is a tithe (10%) of the wedding expenses. It is also appropriate to give an honorarium to the priest performing the wedding. Said honorarium will be shared with all participating clergy.

No flash photography is permitted during the service. Video cameras may be used after consultation with the Rector. Photographs may also be done after the service, and may be staged if needed.

The Great Hall may be reserved for receptions. All food and beverage must be catered. If alcohol is to be served, proof of liability insurance must be provided.  Wedding Party will be responsible for any damages to building or furnishings.

Rehearsals may be conducted by assisting clergy at Rector's discretion.

For additional seating/chair covers and items for the Rehearsal Dinner/Reception we recommend using Dot’s Rentals (903-792-7011).

 Fees (except for organist, acolytes, and livestreaming) are waived for contributing members/dependents:Organist—Marriage Office--$150

• Organist—Nuptial Mass--$200
• Organist—above with Soloist/Chamber Group--$300
• Organist—each additional Soloist--$50
• Great Hall--Rehearsal--$500
• Great Hall Reception--$1500
• Use of dressing rooms, per room--$100
• Wedding Hostess--$150
• Acolyte, per--$50Livestreaming staff--$150
• Cleaning Fee, basic (2hrs)--$150
• Cleaning Fee, each additional hour--$50
• Premarital Counseling Assessment--$35