Generally About Weddings
The Church wedding that begins a marriage is a Sacrament: a sign of God’s presence and grace in the world. It is celebrated as an expression of worship, in the presence of a priest, because it is a religious covenant in which a man and a woman commit themselves to one another publicly before Christ’s altar. It is a time of joy; it is a time of solemnity. The bride and groom pledge their intention to live together for the rest of their lives “in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness” so that their love and life together may be a blessing, not only to themselves, but to all those around them, as “a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness may heal guilt, and joy may conquer despair.”
Jesus Christ began his public ministry by performing a miracle at a marriage feast in a village called Cana. Ever since, his church has had a constant concern to strengthen and support closely the unconditional, life-long commitment of husband and wife, and the love, self-giving, and fidelity of that relationship.
We, at All Saints, want to do all we can to help each couple begin and continue their life together in this spirit which is our Lord’s hope for them. In the course of the service, all who are gathered make their own vow, “to support and uphold these two persons in their marriage.”
Who May Be Married In This Church?
It is necessary that at least one of the parties to be married in the Church be baptized. It is expected that the faith that is explicitly proclaimed in Baptism and in the Celebration and Blessing of A Marriage be a genuine part of the life into which the bride and groom are entering.
At All Saints, wedding ceremonies are held for members of The Episcopal Church, or couples considering membership. It is our belief that a wedding celebration is most rewarding and enjoyable when celebrated in one’s “own” church. Couples who are not members of an Episcopal Church are invited to attend services together at All Saints for several weeks prior to making the decision regarding their wedding here, that they might know more definitely if this can become a spiritual home for them.
Should a couple be members of another Episcopal congregation, it is necessary that they first speak with their own priest regarding their desire for a wedding. With that priest’s consent and counsel, arrangements can be made.
For Persons Having Previously Married ...
Weddings cannot be celebrated by an Episcopal priest if either party has been married before and divorced unless the bishop of the Diocese consents. The procedure for obtaining permission is facilitated by the priest after counseling with the previously married individual. No arrangements can be formalized until the bishop’s permission has been received.
The Date of the Wedding
Before any other plans are made, invitations ordered, or receptions arranged, the couple needs to attend services at All Saints, to see if this might be the church where they would like to be married, not just hold their wedding. Afterwards, a call to the church office can determine the availability of the church facilities on a given date, and an appointment with the rector for a preliminary conversation may be made.
Note: Weddings are not scheduled during the season of Lent (the seven weeks preceding Easter).
Premarital counseling is part of the preparation.
Preparation for marriage includes three to five sessions with the priest.
Christian weddings are normally solemnized in the church rather than in gardens, homes, or secular buildings. The Rites for “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage” may be found beginning on p. 423 of The Book of Common Prayer.
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