Congratulations! We are delighted that you have decided to get married and that you are interested in our beautiful church for the ceremony. We promise to do our best to make your wedding a profound and memorable occasion should you decide to go ahead and have your ceremony here.
The service itself is, of course, the focal point of the day and there is a lot of fun to be had in making it your own. For example, you can be inventive in your choice of music and hymns, readings, poetry and prayers. You may also want to involve friends or family in reading or even performing.
We are here to help you with all these matters and there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss your options with the Priest who will take the service and with our Director of Music. Indeed, the Priest will try to meet with you several times before the big day to discuss both the service and the meaning of marriage for you both. All weddings at The Cathedral of the Isles are at the discretion of The Provost, who is The Rt Revd Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Argyll & The Isles. Bishop Kevin is not likely to be directly involved in your ceremony but will discuss your plans with the Priest who will conduct the service on his behalf.
Please note that under Scottish law, no wedding can proceed without a Schedule from the Registrar of Marriages. You must visit the Registrar to arrange this at least a month before the ceremony – although the sooner you do this the better for your own peace of mind.
Same-sex Weddings
We are delighted that the Scottish Episcopal Church is now able to offer weddings to partners of the same sex. The arrangements for this are exactly the same as for a couple of different sexes.
The following notes include details of practical matters. If you wish Holy Communion to be part of the service, please mention this to the Priest when discussing your plans. The Cathedral, is able to offer catering and/or accommodation should you require it. Please discuss this with the Cathedral Office.
Music
Please discuss the music for your wedding with the Director of Music at least six weeks before the ceremony. The Director of Music will advise on issues of copyright particularly when the ceremony is to be recorded. Please note that the cathedral office does not arrange for an organist to be present at your wedding – this is done by the Director of Music in consultation with you.
Video and Photography
Photographs may be taken in the church after consultation with the person conducting the ceremony, they may also be taken on church premises outside the church. Videos may be recorded by arrangement with the Director of Music. The Cathedral’s fee does not cover any copyright music recorded during the service or at the reception. Please see guidance at www.prsformusic.com
Flowers
The Cathedral is not able to offer flower arranging but should you wish to make your own arrangements to decorate the Cathedral we would be delighted to discuss this with you.
Useful Addresses and Telephone numbers
Director of Music
Alastair Chisholm
01475 530657
Registrar of Marriages
Brooksby Medical & Resource Centre
31 Brisbane Road, Largs
KA30 8LH|
01294 310000
RegistrarsLargs1@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
For details of other registrars in Scotland please visit the National Records of Scotland website: www.nrscotland.gov.uk
Accommodation
The Cathedral operates a 3 Star Guest House and has a range of single, twin, double and family rooms, some of which are en-suite. Bed & Breakfast accommodation can be provided for you and your guests at competitive rates; discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For details of prices and availability please speak to the Warden at the Cathedral Office. You can find details on Bed & Breakfast at the Cathedral here.
Catering
The Cathedral is also able to provide catering for your wedding, whether it be simple refreshments after the ceremony or a full sit-down meal. We would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create a special menu for you.
Summary of Fees
The fee for the Director of Music may increase if there is substantial musical input required for the wedding. With the permission of the Director of Music you may invite someone else to play the organ or other instrumentation for the ceremony.
What Next?
If you would like to discuss your plans further please contact us and we will arrange for a Priest to be in touch.