Offering rites for these sacred moments of transition is among the most important role that Saint Mark's plays in the community. Both weddings and funerals at the cathedral must be performed within certain guidelines. Please review the information below carefully, and contact the cathedral to take the next steps.

Weddings

Saint Mark's Cathedral has a long history of beautiful beginnings for couples entering into a committed relationship together. Saint Mark’s has long recognized and celebrated same-sex marriages, and we believe such inclusion enriches our life together. If you are interested in having the Cathedral serve as the sacred place for your wedding, the following information will help you:

  • As the first step in preparing for a wedding at Saint Mark's, please read the Wedding Guidelines for the Service of Christian Marriage at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This document will answer many questions you may have, and it is intended to set expectations regarding the nature of the wedding service, the interactions with the priest who will officiate your wedding, and many other specifics.

 

  • Marriage ceremonies at Saint Mark's will be performed according to an authorized liturgy of the Episcopal Church, and one of the cathedral clergy will officiate in nearly all cases. Couples wanting to be married at Saint Mark’s Cathedral are expected to attend services at Saint Mark's to become familiar with the cathedral community and its worship life.

 

  • Fees for weddings. (Note: No member of Saint Mark’s Cathedral is ever turned away because of inability to pay the fees. If these present a hardship, please talk with the priest officiating your service.)
    • Facility fee: $2200 for the cathedral; $1200 for Thomsen Chapel
    • Organist fee (paid directly to the organist): $350
    • Soloist or Instrumentalist (optional): $175-$250 (Note: Except in very unusual circumstances subject to approval by the Canon for Cathedral Music, soloists for weddings and funerals will be appointed from Saint Mark’s own pool of qualified singers and instrumentalists.)
    • Livestream fee (if the couple want this option): $750

 

A $500 deposit is required at the time you reserve the Church for your wedding. This deposit is nonrefundable but can be transferred to another date. All fees must be paid in full prior to the rehearsal.

After you have reviewed the Wedding Guidelines, schedule an initial appointment with one of the Cathedral clergy by emailing weddings@saintmarks.org or by calling 206.323.0300. We will book a date for your wedding only after you have read these guidelines and met with one of the Cathedral clergy.

Thank you for your interest in Saint Mark's Cathedral as a holy place in which to begin your new life together!

Funerals

The faith community at Saint Mark’s is honored to offer the hospitality of the cathedral to you in this time of loss and sorrow. It is our privilege to assist you in any way we can. As Christians, we proclaim that in death, life is changed, not ended, and we hope our ministry will help you to move forward with assurance that the person you love has passed through death into new life in God, and that in your grief, Christ makes himself present in compassion.

Funeral and memorial services at Saint Mark’s are based on the order of service provided in The Book of Common Prayer. The liturgy and music department will help your family to plan the service, and to choose readings, prayers, hymns, and music that proclaim our faith in resurrection; reflect and celebrate the life of the person who has died; and offer comfort and hope to all who mourn. Livestreaming of funerals may be available, if desired.

To inquire about scheduling a funeral please contact Cathedral Sacristan Michael Seewer at mseewer@saintmarks.org, or one of the clergy at 206.323.0300. Here are some resources to help you:

 

 

 


Chapel of the Resurrection & Columbarium

The Chapel of the Resurrection, which includes a columbarium, was opened in 1969. A columbarium is a permanent resting place for cremated remains. Anyone is welcome to be buried in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Read about the columbarium, including fees, here.


Other options

The possibility of interring ashes in a garden area of the front lawn has recently been discussed, and one interment has taken place in this way. Please ask if you are interested in learning more about this option.