Marriage is a gift of God and a means of God’s grace in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with the Church.
• Required Notice - A minimum of 60 days notice of the marriage is required. This may be waived by the officiating clergy with sufficient cause.
• Expectations - In asking the Church to bless the occasion of your marriage, you are also committing to the Church's expectations about tradition and decorum. Please respect the officiating clergy's direction about such matters, or consider having a civil ceremony (ie. Justice of the Peace) whose expectations may not be as stringent.
On this page, you will find information about:
• Civil and Canon Law – The legal requirements of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Anglican Church of Canada
• Marriage Preparation – What you should expect by way of preparation and counseling before your ceremony
• Fees and Protocols – Guidelines for use of the church building and fees
Civil and Canon Law
The Church is governed by both civil (ie. Federal, Provincial and Municipal) law and canon (ie. Church) law. Each has requirements of those being married, including:
• Marriage License – All couples being married in Nova Scotia require a Provincial Marriage license. There is a week-long waiting period. Marriage licenses must be applied for in person by either of the partners. Licenses are available from Access Nova Scotia outlets at a cost of $120.00. Banns may be published, but a provincial Marriage License is still required.
• Age of Majority – Persons must be of legal age to marry without either parental or judicial consent
• Baptism – Christian Marriage requires that at least one partner be baptized. Please speak to the officiating clergy if this is a concern
• Wedding outside the Church Building – While it is becoming increasingly common to be married outside the church building, there is an expectation that the newly married will attend a Sunday service shortly after their marriage to have their commitment recognized in the congregation with prayer.
Marriage Preparation
Those being married in the church are expected to receive counseling with regard to their relationship and the church’s expectations.
• Basic Information – Both the church and province need to know your date and place of birth, your parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name) and places of birth, religious affiliation and intended date of the wedding. The Parish maintains a Registry of Marriages.
• PREPARE/ENRICH – In the Parish of Lantz, we use a personality and relationship inventory called PREPARE. This includes one session to fill out the inventory, and two or three sessions of discussion and evaluation. Other marriage preparation may also take place, including classes and interviews.
• Rehearsal – Normally rehearsals for a weekend wedding will be held on a THURSDAY evening. This is the opportunity to gather all those included in your wedding party (attendants, readers, best man, maid or matron of honour, ushers, parents, etc.) to meet at the church and work out the physical arrangements
Other Considerations
• Marriage after Divorce – Particular considerations for marriage in the church following divorce. Proof of Divorce (Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce) must be provided, and some discussion about the previous relationship may form part of the preparation process, especially if there are children coming into a blended family. If there are special circumstances, the permission of the Bishop may be required. Please do not set a date without consulting with the clergy.
• Roman Catholic Partners – To remain a communicant Roman Catholic after marriage in the Anglican church, permission of the Roman Catholic Church is required in the form of a “dispensation.” This is normally applied for through the Roman Catholic Church, and may include a promise by the Roman Catholic partner to raise any children of the marriage in the inherited faith of the Catholic Church. Please speak to the officiating clergy or your parish priest with regard to this dispensation and promise.
Fees and Protocols
• Clergy $150.00
• Organist $75.00
• PREPARE $50.00
• Caretaker/Atar Guild $60.00 (if the wedding takes place in church building)
All fees may be waived at the discretion of the clergy. All appropriate fees should be paid at the time of the rehearsal. If your marriage is taking place somewhere other than the church building, please consider reimbursing the officiating clergy for mileage.
• Photographs and Video – Discreet photography and video during the ceremony is permitted at the direction of the officiating clergy. Opportunities for group photographs are provided at the beginning of the service and signing of the register.
• Music – The wedding ceremony is a service of worship, whether in the church building or another location, and the music should reflect the spiritual significance of the event. Some songs may be more appropriate for the reception or a first dance.
