Weddings at St. John's Cathedral
Connecting with God
and the Community
Our cathedral community goal is to help couples get connected and stay connected with God. A Christian faith community is key to this. We are happy to host your wedding and hope that you will join us for worship, both before and after your wedding.
If you live far from Winnipeg, we will do everything we can to accommodate you and work with the church near your home in preparation for your exchange of vows here at St John’s Cathedral.
Historic Stone Church
St. John’s Cathedral’s historic stone building was built in 1926, and is a wonderful place for a wedding, and the community of faith is delighted to share it with you on your big day! The interior features beautiful stained glass windows, a central aisle with red carpet, one of the best organs in Winnipeg, a grand piano, a large solid brass eagle lectern for Bible readings, beautiful oak woodwork and decorations, and seating for 250 guests.
Receptions
John West Hall is located in the lower level of the church. This is an ideal location for smaller light receptions. Please connect with the Administrative Assistant to the Dean about the space and availability. Phone (204) 586-8385, office@stjohnscathedral.ca
Officiating Clergy
Normally, the clergy of St. John’s Cathedral officiate at wedding services in the church. We recognize that couples may have a relationship with other Christian clergy. It is possible for Saint John’s clergy to partner with other clergy to perform a wedding jointly as an ecumenical or interdenominational celebration. We prefer to be friends and have a relationship with couples. We have extended our community and welcomed other Christian clergy to officiate based on the needs of the bride and groom.
Marriage Preparation
The Church promises to do all in its power to strengthen and uphold each couple’s marriage. This is stated publicly during the wedding service. To help the community of faith uphold this promise, the couple is expected to have some marriage preparation, in accordance with the guidelines and policy of the Anglican Church of Canada. Our clergy usually meet with couples and offer spiritual and practical resources for strengthening their relationship.
Music for the Ceremony
Our Director of Music, Helen Suh, is responsible for music at your wedding. Helen has played for many weddings and is a great resource for you! She will need to know if you would like a soloist or other musicians. Before the wedding, our organist can meet with you to help choose the music.
Legal Requirements
You will need to obtain a Manitoba Marriage License.
Here is a listing of places that issue marriage licenses in Winnipeg.
The Anglican Church of Canada has certain requirements: you are asked to give us at least sixty days’ notice and to complete some pre-marital preparation. At St. John’s Cathedral, we offer this preparation. For a Christian marriage, either the bride or the groom needs to be baptized. If baptism is something you would like to explore, please contact the parish administrator.
The Ceremony
A wedding ceremony is an act of worship. The prayers we use are beautiful and time-tested. We use standard Anglican prayer books, and the wording of the marriage vows is set there. You may add your own vows to each other, if that is your wish.
For more detail, here are a few helpful links:
- Check availability for your proposed wedding date with parish staff. Phone (204) 586-8385 or email office@stjohnscathedral.ca.
- Wedding music at Saint John’s Cathedral contact: sjcathedralmusic@gmail.com.
- A typical order of service for the ceremony will look like this.
- Download and submit your wedding information form here.