Weddings

The church is available to couples who are either members of St. John's Church or else have a strong family connection to the church. The church is not rented out for weddings. Couples wishing to marry at St. John's Church should contact the clergy several months prior to the proposed wedding date.

Pre-marital counseling with St. John's Church clergy is required of all couples preparing for marriage. (In the case of couples not living in the West Hartford area, arrangements may be made with clergy for counseling with another priest or clergy person.) Diocesan guidelines (available from the clergy) must be followed in the case of second marriages. Blessings of civil marriages after a divorce are subject to the same Diocesan guidelines. Although legal in the State of Connecticut, the Episcopal Bishop of Connecticut does not give permission for marriages of same sex couples. Blessings of civil marriages of same sex couples are, however, permitted.

Weddings follow the form provided in The Book of Common Prayer (1979); couples may not write their own vows. Most weddings take place within the context of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Arrangements with florists and photographers should be made in consultation with the church to follow church guidelines. Music selections are made by arrangement with the church Director of Music.

Fees: in addition to fees to the church Sexton and the organist and other musicians, couples are expected to make a donation proportionate to the cost of the wedding to the Church Discretionary Fund or another church fund.

Information required by the Church Office should be provided via the Marriage Information Form, which may be obtained from the Church Office or by downloading it from the Resources page of the website.