Weddings
Not just a special day but a special marriage.
In the Anglican Church of Bermuda. we don't just want to invest in your wedding day —that's a given! We want to invest in you as a couple. Check out these words from the Marriage Service:
"Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which the couple may know the grace of God. It is given that as the couple grow together in love and trust, they shall be united with one another in heart, body, and mind..."
Our Buildings
Our Church buildings provide stunning historic venues in which to make your vows. Adorned with beautiful wood panelling and colourful windows, our churches give your wedding or blessing a sense of gentle formality and occasion, and couples often arrange for the building to be decorated with flowers. You will find our parish ministers very accommodating, and there is something special about having your wedding details entered into the traditional parish marriage register.
Reception Venues
Most of our churches are equipped with reception halls, some with a commercial kitchen, large restrooms, and with wheelchair access. Some have flat lawns suitable for a marquee or outdoor celebrations, and some have ample parking. Whether using a wedding planner or making your own arrangements, be sure to ask your local church for more information.
Planning your Wedding
Wedding Licence
In our local churches, the priest is also the Registrar for your marriage. Once you have confirmed with the priest the date for your wedding, it is essential for you to contact the Registrar General to organise a Marriage Licence for your marriage. The Registry needs at least 15 days to process this and once issued, the licence is only valid for three months. You must then give this Marriage Licence to the priest before your wedding takes place. After the wedding the priest will submit a Particulars of Marriage form such that your Marriage Certificate can be issued and collected.
Marriage Preparation
Many couples spend hours and hours preparing for the day, but little time preparing for their marriage. In the Anglican church, we believe in investing in you as a couple. Typically, our churches offer marriage preparation for local couples.
The Rehearsal
The wedding rehearsal typically takes places a few days before the wedding, not the night before! You will practice everything at the rehearsal and the whole wedding party is invited: that's each member of the couple, best man/woman, maid of honour, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and parents. Often, families choose to go for a meal after the rehearsal. Do not feel you have to invite the priest, although all invites are welcome!
Flowers and Decorations
You are welcome to decorate our churches with flowers and other decorations. If you need help with this, please ask and you can liaise with one of the church's flower arrangers who can advise you on the best places and options for your decorations. All decorations must be removed from the church building before the following Sunday worship takes place, although some couples arrange for some displays to be donated to the church.
Example Order of Service
The Entrance of the Bride (or Couple)
Welcome (includes Opening Prayer and Preface)
Hymn or Reflective Item (optional)
The Declarations
Bible Reading
The Address
Hymn or Reflective Item (optional)
The Marriage (includes Vows, Giving of Rings, Proclamation, and Blessing)
Prayers
Hymn or Reflective Item (optional)
Final Blessing
The Signing of the Registers (Musical Item)
The Recessional
The Wedding Ceremony
Rings
At modern weddings most couples exchange rings. These are looked after by the best man or woman who is called forward to lay them on the priest's book at a point in the ceremony. The best man or woman does not keep them in a box, but simply has them loose in his or her pocket so they can be easily and quickly retrieved.
Signing of the Registers
Registers are signed, in church, usually at the top table or side vestry, at the end of the ceremony. If you are getting married, for example, on a beach, then you will need to ensure there is a table and chair available for the signing. If the wedding is a Blessing, we can still arrange for a book to be signed. You will need two witnesses, one for each of you, both of whom need to be over 18 years old. Most couples have instrumental music or a soloist playing during the signing of the registers.
The Address
The Address is a short reflection given by the priest and it is usually based on the Bible Reading(s). It is designed to encourage and inspire you both on your journey.
Bible Reading(s)
The wedding service, as it is a Christian ceremony, usually includes at least one Bible Reading. For example, this could be a reading about love such as this one taken from Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. Often, couples ask a close friend or relative to read the Bible Reading.
Music
You will need to think about music coming in (processional) and music going out (recessional) and also if you wish to include any sung hymns or instrumental pieces. These can be played on backing tracks, or played on the organ or piano by the resident instrumentalist. Soloists and/or Choir may be available for a small donation to the church and are subject to availability in each parish church.
Prayers and Reflective Items
There are moments of prayer in a Christian wedding ceremony and a time for prayers for you as a couple. Some couples ask a Christian friend, someone who has a faith, to pray for them, otherwise the priest will happily lead some simple prayers. You may also wish for a poem to be read.
Entrance and Being Given Away
It is traditional for the bride to enter (preceded by flower girls) followed by bridesmaids. The father or close friend or family member of the bride typically accompanies her. Alternatively the couple may wish to enter together. Some brides do not wish to be 'given away' and there is an optional line in the wedding service. Your priest will discuss this with you at your rehearsal.
Photography and Video
Photography and video is permitted at weddings, however, we discourage this during the actual vows as this is a very intimate and precious time between you both and God. We do not want any distractions! The signing of the registers is a great opportunity for more formal photographs to take place.
Bells
Some of our churches have bells that may be rung as your guests arrive and/or as you leave the church building. This is typically subject to a donation and the availability of a bell ringer. For example, the bells at St. Mark's are of a musical chime variety and can be a unique and wonderful addition to your ceremony.
Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and Ushers
Weddings typically have one or more bridesmaids, the chief bridesmaid being called the Maid of Honour. UK-style weddings have a Best Man and US-style weddings have groomsmen, the chief groomsman being the Best Man. All weddings have ushers, usually chosen from the family, to assist with seating, to accompany the parents to their seats (especially the mother of the bride), to hand out orders of service, and to ensure no-one leaves anything behind. The ushers may also be groomsmen.
Confetti
Confetti is welcome to be thrown outside the church building. However, all confetti must be biodegradable Please do not bring or use plastic stars or hearts. Please do not use raw rice either as it is bad for wildlife. Paper confetti may be used, but petals, dried coconut, or punched leaves are by far the best options.
Printed Orders of Service
You are welcome to print your own orders of service which may be handed out to the guests by ushers. We highly recommend you ask the minister to proof and check your order of service before you have them printed.
The Vows
I, Name, take you, Name,
to be my wife/husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
The Giving of Rings
Name, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Pricing
- The following fees are the diocesan guidelines only. Please check with the local parish.
Typically, all rehearsal, preparation, and certificate costs are included.
Wedding or Blessing in a Parish Church
$1100
- The fee includes the Minister's fee, Parish Church fee, and a Verger fee.
Wedding or Blessing at another Venue
$750
- This is the fee for an Anglican Minister to take your Wedding or Blessing at a beach or other venue. Please note, that as you are asking an Anglican Priest to take the wedding, that he or she will expect it to be a Christian ceremony. The fee includes the minister's fee, the parish fee, and travel expenses.
Renewal of Vows in a Parish Church
$950
- The fee includes the Minister's fee, Parish Church fee, and a Verger fee.
Other Fees
Music
$350
- You may choose to use the church organ or piano which is played by a resident instrumentalist. Typically our instrumentalists are able to play both classical and contemporary songs and hymns.
Wedding Checklist
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