St. James Westminster

A valid Ontario Marriage Licence is required for every wedding. Marriage licences may be obtained through your local municipal office.

Please provide your licence to the officiating priest at least one week before your wedding and bring it with you to the rehearsal. Without a valid marriage licence, the marriage cannot legally proceed.

The Anglican Church welcomes couples to prepare thoughtfully for Christian marriage.

Every couple meets with the priest for marriage preparation before the wedding. These conversations explore the meaning of Christian marriage, the promises you will make to one another, and the practical and spiritual foundations of a lifelong relationship.

Divorced persons may be remarried in the Anglican Church of Canada. A copy of the divorce decree is required for our records.

While weddings outside the church may be possible with the permission of the clergy, weddings celebrated in the church allow couples to make their vows within the beauty and tradition of this sacred space. Sunday weddings are generally discouraged.

Every wedding at St. James Westminster is unique.

Couples are invited to choose Scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and music in consultation with the clergy. There is considerable flexibility within the Anglican wedding liturgy, allowing each service to reflect your story while remaining rooted in the worship of the Church.

The exchange of Christian marriage vows and the reading of at least one passage from Holy Scripture are essential elements of every Anglican marriage service.

Music has always been an important part of worship at St. James Westminster.

Our Director of Music will work with you to select music that reflects both the joy of the occasion and the sacred character of Christian marriage. Guest musicians and vocalists are welcome with the approval of the Director of Music and the clergy so that all music is appropriate for the service and works well within the liturgy.

The rehearsal is normally held the day before the wedding at a mutually convenient time.

Please allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes and ask everyone participating in the service, including readers, to attend. Arriving 15 minutes early helps us begin on time.

We welcome professional photographers and videographers.

To preserve the dignity of the service and allow everyone to participate fully in the celebration, photography during the liturgy is limited to the processional, recessional, signing of the registers, and any additional moments approved by the officiating clergy.

Following the service, we are happy to stage particular moments so that you can capture the photographs you would like without interrupting the worship.

Video recording is also welcome. Equipment should be set up at least 25 minutes before the service begins and should remain as unobtrusive as possible throughout the liturgy. Please discuss any special requirements with the clergy before the wedding.

Flowers may be delivered between 45 minutes and 90 minutes before the service.

Please note that confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, and similar items may not be used inside or outside the church.

If you are planning additional decorations or have questions about floral arrangements, please speak with the clergy during the planning process.

Clergy Honorarium: $400 to $500
(Payable directly to the officiating priest)

Director of Music / Organist: $200 to $300 per musician
(Payable directly to each musician)

Facility Fee: $700
(Payable to St. James Westminster Church)

The facility fee helps support the preparation and care of our historic church, utilities, administrative support, and the use of the building for your wedding.

A deposit of $400 is required to reserve your wedding date.

Please plan for the following arrival times:

• Ushers: 30 minutes before the service
• Groom and Best Person: 15 minutes before the service
• Wedding Party: 10 minutes before the service

A typical wedding service lasts approximately 30 minutes.

If Holy Communion is included, the service is approximately 50 minutes. The celebration of the Eucharist is optional and may be discussed with the clergy during your planning meetings.