Wedding Policy
The Sacrament of Matrimony is God’s plan for a man and a woman to be united in marriage for life, and we would love to be a part of that new journey in your lives. Because the Church presumes that you intend to enter into and maintain a Christian marriage, there are several requirements that must be met before being married at St Mark’s.
First, only active members of St Mark’s or a parish church of our diocese may use St Mark’s for weddings. Active membership consists of both prospective bride and groom officially joining the parish, regularly participating in the worship and parish activities of the church, and supporting the church with tithes and offerings.
Second, couples must be active members for at least six months before planning a wedding. Please also remember that weddings are not performed during the liturgical seasons of Advent or Lent.
Third, couples will be expected to complete premarital counseling sessions with the Rector.
Finally, after completion of the premarital counseling sessions, but before the wedding ceremony, couples will be expected to sign the following statement from the Canon 34.4 of the Canons of the Anglican Province of America:
We, A.B. and C.D., desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong union of husband and wife as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. We believe it is for the purpose of the procreation (if it may be) of children, and their spiritual and physical nurture, for mutual fellowship, encouragement, and understanding, and for the safeguarding and benefit of society, and we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek God’s help thereto.
Please also read and familiarize yourself with Canon 34 of the Anglican Province of America, appended below, paying particular attention to Section 2 if either the prospective bride or groom has been previously married.
We look forward to working with you; and for further information or questions, please call the parish office.
