Weddings at Church of the Advent

            You are making plans for your wedding. Congratulations.  Perhaps your plans include the lovely Church of the Advent in Cape May.  If so the information which follows will be important to you. Please feel free to call us at 609 884 3065 or to write via e-mail to churchoftheadvent@verizon.net.  You may also write to the church office at P.O. Box 261, Cape May, New Jersey 08204.  Again please accept our congratulations.

• First, if you are considering a wedding at the Episcopal Church of the Advent please call as soon as possible.  Times are limited, especially in the busy summer months.  In addition, preparations need to be made.  It is never too early to call.
• At the Church of the Advent a wedding is as important to us as it is to you.  A marriage is a sacramental celebration which requires preparation.   All couples will need to complete a course which allows them to examine themselves and prepare for their marriage.  In consultation with the clergy of the parish, this preparation may be completed at the Church of the Advent itself or at another location where similar arrangements can be made.  This preparation typically involves several meetings with the officiating priest and where possible with a couple within the parish.
• You do not need to be a member of the parish to celebrate here.  Still, since the support of a community is important to help nurture your relationship we encourage you to find your own faith home.
• If this is a second marriage for either party please let us know early in the process, since a second marriage requires the consent of our Bishop. Normally, this is not a burdensome process. 
• Speak with the Rector about your plans.  We try to be flexible in working with photographers, florists, wedding planners and other service providers.  However, keep in mind that your wedding is a religious event.  We will work to preserve the solemnity of your day as well as its joy.
• Speak at an early date about music.  The parish has a magnificent organ. It will be important to plan your music.  Again, it will be important to maintain the religious character of the ceremony.  Some music may not be appropriate; so please ask early to avoid disappointment.  Please arrange to speak with our organist at least 8 weeks in advance of the wedding. 

Please feel free to raise any questions that occur to you.  The list above responds only to those questions that are asked most frequently.    And, once again, please accept our congratulations.