MARRIAGE

Introduction

Marriage is a life long union in which a man and a woman are called so to give themselves in body, mind and spirit; and so to respond, that from their union will grow a deepening knowledge and love to each other. In the joys and sorrows of life, in prosperity and adversity, they share their companionship, faithfulness and strength.

Marriage Service, APBA

Congratulations on your decision to look at being married at St James Cathedral. The time ahead will be a busy period when decisions about the style and details of your ceremony need to be discussed and arranged. I hope that it proves a time of growing together as you explore each other’s desires for an important day of your life.

Be assured of the Church’s prayers for your preparations.  The Faith Community at St James’ Cathedral hopes your celebration will be a happy and holy occasion.

To choose marriage is to include not only the physical, sexual and emotional union of a man and woman, but for the Christian couple, there’s also a SPIRITUAL UNION, a complete commitment of love to each other for life.  As part of your preparation, we invite you to join us regularly at worship. This helps us to know you better, and offers a real opportunity of involving God in your life. You are most welcome at the Wednesday evening 5.30pm Eucharist, or Friday morning 9.00am Eucharist, or Sunday at 7.00am or 9.00am.

St James’ is a beautiful Cathedral and very suitable for this important occasion. What we offer is the celebration of the gift of marriage from God our Creator. It will be ‘holy’ both through your love for each other, and because of the holiness of God’s love for you.

The decisions, promises and commitment made will be binding upon you for life, and in coming to Church for marriage, you ask God to be part of your marriage… not just for a day, but for its entirety.  So the church of God has a continuing care and responsibility. If you ever need advice or counsel, please don’t hesitate to contact us for whatever help you need.

God Bless you both as you prepare for your marriage.

The Bishop and Leadership Team of St James’ Cathedral

Reasons for Choosing St James’ Cathedral

These are just some of the reasons people choose Saint James’s Cathedral for their wedding.

• It has been a sacred and historic place for generations of North Queenslanders.
• We offer a Christian ceremony in which the couple, friends and family can ask for God’s blessing on their married life together.
• The Cathedral has beautiful nineteenth century brickwork, a magnificent pipe organ, and a church bell.
• Weddings for 50-300 guests can be comfortably accommodated in the main space of the Cathedral. Smaller weddings may also be held at the High altar or in one of the side chapels.
• St James’ provides full marriage preparation courses: the clergy undertake the Christian preparation and experienced lay people run the relationship part of the programme.
• It has a central location, and proximity to city hotels for reception and accommodation.

Requirements for Being Married in the Cathedral

There are some requirements for being married at St James Cathedral. These requirements are set by the Bishop, the Dean and Chapter (the governing body of the Cathedral) in accordance with the guidelines of the Anglican Church of Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia

• At least one, the bride or the groom, must be a baptised Christian.
• At least one, the bride or the groom, must be a member of the Christian Church. Both are encouraged to become regular worshippers.
• The Bishop’s permission is required for the remarriage of divorced
• persons. This permission is usually sought by the local parish priest in the parish where one of the parties resides, or the priest of the parish in which the couple normally worships.
• Couples must attend a marriage introduction evening to be informed of the legal requirements for being married in Australia and in the Australian Anglican Church.
• Couples are required to participate fully in marriage preparation run by the St James’ wedding team. The clergy will lead the Christian part of marriage preparation.
• St James’ is a functioning house of worship and services take precedence. Thus the cathedral may not always be available for weddings on Sundays and special days in the Church. Weddings are permitted on Saturdays and weekdays during Lent, but no weddings may be celebrated throughout Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter Saturday, inclusive.
• St James is a busy place and so it is advisable to book the Cathedral as soon as you begin making plans.
• The attire of the wedding party must be consistent with the solemnity and dignity of the occasion.
• The Anglican Order of service must be used. A copy of the second order of service is made available in our Getting Married in St James booklet which is given to couples at the Introduction Evening. This booklet has many selections for prayers and readings so that you can personalise your wedding service. You will need to discuss these options with the officiating clergyperson, who will be pleased to advise you.
• Weddings may only be conducted by licensed Anglican clergy.Ministers of other denominations may assist at the wedding at the discretion of the Bishop in consultation with the officiating clergyperson.
• The Cathedral wedding package includes the organist, flowers, all administrative and legal arrangements, the use of the Cathedral for the rehearsal and wedding, a sacristan to prepare the cathedral and tidy up after the Wedding, the officiating clergyperson and a donation.
• The beautiful pipe organ situated in St James’ Cathedral is played by the Cathedral organist who will play for all weddings. The choice of music must be discussed with Cathedral staff well in advance of your wedding day. Music for weddings must be of a style and form which is appropriate for the location.
  
• The Cathedral has a policy of live music only using its Organ.

PLEASE PHONE PARISH OFFICE 4771 2247 for further details.