Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes: Weddings

• THE BOND AND COVENANT of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner or life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The Union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
- 1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 423

Fees and Music

We suggest a minimum donation of $750 to the parish, apart from music fees. We understand that some parishioners lack the means to make such a contribution, and in these cases it is not expected. If additional clergy or altar servers are necessary, the parish may have greater expenses, and the wedding couple will be expected to cover them.

The use of the parish’ church building for a wedding that does not involve the parish or its clergy is not allowed.

Organist
Organ music at the service will be played by the Parish Organist. In extremely rare instances, the Organist may approve use of a visiting organist with appropriate professional credentials. Nevertheless, the Parish Organist will still receive his stipend.

The fee of the Organist is $150 for parishioners of the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes and $250 for non-parishioners. The fee includes the service itself and one consultation on the music, either in person at the church, or by telephone. The organist does not attend the wedding rehearsal.

Choir or Vocalists
Vocal music, if any, will be sung by the professional singers who comprise the Parish Choir. Three options are possible: a soloist (in any of the voice ranges), a quartet or four singers, in general four men singing a chant mass setting, or full choir (defined as ten or more regular professional singers of the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes). These musicians must be booked through the Organist-Choirmaster. No outside singers may be engaged.

The fee for a solo singer is $100 for parishioners, $150 for non-parishioners. The quartet fee is $350 for parishioners, $500 for non-parishioners. The full choir fee is $1000 for parishioners and $1250 for non-parishioners. In addition, when the choir is booked, the Organist-Choirmaster’s fee is $250 for parishioners and $350 for non-parishioners. These fees include the services of organists as described above.

Instrumentalists
Any instrumental music, in addition to organ, must be booked through the organist. Visiting musicians are not permitted. A wide range of options is available, all of whom are outstanding professional orchestral musicians in the city, and are regular members of orchestras booked by the parish for special events. These include, but are not limited to, brass and strings. Fees will vary significantly depending on the instrumentation. Contact the organist for details.

Repertoire
Music to be performed at weddings comes from the regular, though wide-ranging repertoire of the organist, the choir, and instrumentalists. It does reflect the high aesthetic standards for which the church is known. Organ music will be indigenous to the instrument. Arrangements of adaptations of popular music, “contemporary” music, and similar idioms are not permitted. Likewise choral repertoire will be drawn from the motet and anthem literature regularly sung at the church. Most importantly, the repertoire should fit the wedding liturgically and scripturally, and not simply reflect sentiment or preference. As such, popular arias, and movements from the literature out of context are rarely approved choices. The specific titles of works played and sung will be discussed with the organist at the initial consultation. The final decision on the appropriateness of repertoire rests with the rector and organist. Once decided, these tiles may not be changed.

Advance Payment of Fees
Payment of fees are to be made in advance to the parish office. One-third of the total must be paid in advance at the time the date is reserved. The balance is due at least two weeks prior to the wedding ceremony.

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WEDDING INFORMATION
Introduction
Requirements for Marriage
Parish Guidelines
Bishop's Guidelines
Fees and Music
Seating
Rehearsal
Reception
Photography

READINGS DURING THE CEREMONY
Introduction
Old Testament Lections
Psalms
Epistle Lections
Gospel Lections

ORABO SPIRITU ORABO ET MENTE : PSALLAM SPIRITU PSALLAM ET MENTE

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Fees and Music

We suggest a minimum donation of $750 to the parish, apart from music fees. We understand that some parishioners lack the means to make such a contribution, and in these cases it is not expected. If additional clergy or altar servers are necessary, the parish may have greater expenses, and the wedding couple will be expected to cover them.

The use of the parish’ church building for a wedding that does not involve the parish or its clergy is not allowed.

Organist
Organ music at the service will be played by the Parish Organist. In extremely rare instances, the Organist may approve use of a visiting organist with appropriate professional credentials. Nevertheless, the Parish Organist will still receive his stipend.

The fee of the Organist is $150 for parishioners of the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes and $250 for non-parishioners. The fee includes the service itself and one consultation on the music, either in person at the church, or by telephone. The organist does not attend the wedding rehearsal.

Choir or Vocalists
Vocal music, if any, will be sung by the professional singers who comprise the Parish Choir. Three options are possible: a soloist (in any of the voice ranges), a quartet or four singers, in general four men singing a chant mass setting, or full choir (defined as ten or more regular professional singers of the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes). These musicians must be booked through the Organist-Choirmaster. No outside singers may be engaged.

The fee for a solo singer is $100 for parishioners, $150 for non-parishioners. The quartet fee is $350 for parishioners, $500 for non-parishioners. The full choir fee is $1000 for parishioners and $1250 for non-parishioners. In addition, when the choir is booked, the Organist-Choirmaster’s fee is $250 for parishioners and $350 for non-parishioners. These fees include the services of organists as described above.

Instrumentalists
Any instrumental music, in addition to organ, must be booked through the organist. Visiting musicians are not permitted. A wide range of options is available, all of whom are outstanding professional orchestral musicians in the city, and are regular members of orchestras booked by the parish for special events. These include, but are not limited to, brass and strings. Fees will vary significantly depending on the instrumentation. Contact the organist for details.

Repertoire
Music to be performed at weddings comes from the regular, though wide-ranging repertoire of the organist, the choir, and instrumentalists. It does reflect the high aesthetic standards for which the church is known. Organ music will be indigenous to the instrument. Arrangements of adaptations of popular music, “contemporary” music, and similar idioms are not permitted. Likewise choral repertoire will be drawn from the motet and anthem literature regularly sung at the church. Most importantly, the repertoire should fit the wedding liturgically and scripturally, and not simply reflect sentiment or preference. As such, popular arias, and movements from the literature out of context are rarely approved choices. The specific titles of works played and sung will be discussed with the organist at the initial consultation. The final decision on the appropriateness of repertoire rests with the rector and organist. Once decided, these tiles may not be changed.

Advance Payment of Fees
Payment of fees are to be made in advance to the parish office. One-third of the total must be paid in advance at the time the date is reserved. The balance is due at least two weeks prior to the wedding ceremony.

ORABO SPIRITU ORABO ET MENTE : PSALLAM SPIRITU PSALLAM ET MENTE