Marriage is not a uniquely Christian institution.  Wedding ceremonies may take place in completely secular settings, following the laws of the state and under the supervision of an officer of the state.  In this setting, it is a legal contract between two parties, in force until it is dissolved by the state.

The church understands marriage between Christians as more than a contract, and expects more of the parties involved.  The church views marriage as a sacrament and as a holy covenant between a man and a woman.  As the bride and groom exchange vows and symbols of their vows, we are reminded of God's covenant of limitless, self-less love for us in return for our faithfulness. The sacrament of Holy Matrimony as described in our Book of Common Prayer is a solemn and public covenant in which a man and woman declare their intention to enter a life-long union before God and his church and receive the blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. The celebration of a marriage is not a private act, but a public service of the church in the context of the community of faith. Holy Matrimony is also a liturgy of the church. The rites and ceremonies of the church seek to preserve that liturgy and focus on the bride and groom as the true ministers of this sacrament and on the sanctity of the vows they make. Music, decorations, and even the physical movement of the wedding party in the church are an effort to express the church's understanding of marriage as sacrament and covenant of two people within the community of faith.

About the Couple

It is expected that at least one member of the couple seeking marriage in the church be baptized and a practicing Episcopalian. A clergyperson may consider other arrangements and conditions at his or her discretion and with the approval of the Rector of Trinity Church. This should be discussed directly with a clergyperson. If either party has been previously married and divorced, the permission of the Bishop must be sought. Six months should have passed since the divorce decree, and the couple should have been separated for at least 18 months. The Bishop's approval takes about 30 days to obtain. This should be taken into consideration in planning by the couple. The petitioning of the Bishop is handled by the officiating clergyperson.

Marriage Preparation

The couple should expect three to six one-hour premarital counseling sessions with the officiating clergyperson, as required by church canon law. Other requirements for preparation are at the discretion of the officiating clergyperson. A priest may decline to officiate at any marriage in the church. All arrangements for weddings are subject to the final approval of the Rector of the parish.

Setting the Date

It is certainly understood that the wedding date and the place for the wedding are very important to the intended bride and groom. However, no wedding date or place for the wedding (through Trinity Church and/or its clergy) may be set until first approved by the officiating clergyperson and then by the Church Administrator (if the ceremony is to take place in the Trinity Church building). The bride or groom shall first indicate their desire to seek marriage through Trinity Church and/or its clergy through the Parish Wedding Coordinator. Next, the couple may request preferred dates through the Parish Wedding Coordinator, who will then consult with clergy and the Parish Administrator. The reserved date must be placed on the Church and clergy calendars as soon as possible. While a wedding date and the Church building (or other place) may be reserved, it is understood that no wedding is given final approval to proceed until done so by the officiating clergyperson at his or her discretion and that of the Rector of Trinity Church, and in consideration of all parish requirements having been met. Other reservations, such as a time and place for the wedding rehearsal and other functions must follow the same reservation procedure.

The Wedding Coordinator will inform the couple of available time slots for weddings at Trinity Church when planning a date and time for the wedding. Ordinarily, weddings are scheduled no later than 7:00 in the evening, and only one wedding is scheduled on a given day.

The coordinator will arrange a meeting with the organist and inform the altar guild and flower guild of any details as needed.


Read & Print Full Trinity Church Wedding Guidelines Here