ALMOST AS SOON AS I BECAME RECTOR HERE IN 2004, it seemed that Charleston had become a very popular spot for weddings. In recent years many of you have become aware that there are a lot more weddings celebrated here than in past years - a lot more! Over the last eight years I have recorded at least 117 weddings either here or, in some instances, elsewhere, that either I or a few of our other senior clergy have celebrated - in those cases mostly here.

At the request of one of our parishioners I have gone over this past year (2011) for my own curiosity just to see how many weddings have been conducted here or "off-campus" (off campus indicated by an asterisk *). I am happy to say that a few of these brides and grooms are active parishioners (**), but the rest have moved on, since most of them now live out of state; these being what are called "destination weddings."

Most of these weddings have been a result of the attractiveness and popularity of St. Stephen's as a place that is both welcoming and inclusive, as well as a lovely place to celebrate a wedding. Should you have any questions about weddings at St. Stephen's, consult our website to see all the information that a potential bride and groom might see before coming to St. Stephen's. In the Wedding Booklet (available for download on our website) are helpful hints about formal wear as well as websites to consult if, as a groom, you want to provide a well-mannered "toast" to the bride! - Fr. Williams