Episcopal Wedding Services at Christ Church Plymouth
About Wedding Services
We understand marriage as a union of two people, an unfolding process of intentional living and growing together. Through marriage, individuals, both separately and together, transform and mature in God’s presence and image. We also understand marriage to be a vocation, a calling to a particular vowed manner of life. Not all people are called to marriage, but for those who are, it is to be entered into reverently and deliberately with mutual care, respect and delight.
A wedding is a sacred ritual that acknowledges and celebrates, before God and the gathered community, the desire of a couple to enter a lifelong covenant. By uniting within the context of the church, the couple is acknowledging their desire for God to be an active presence in the love they feel for one another and their willingness to place their relationship in God’s loving care. As they make their vows before God and the gathered community, they in turn receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
Anyone may be married at Christ Church Parish, including same-gender couples. However, the Episcopal Church requires these four things:
- That a couple in which one or both persons have previously been married and divorced receive the consent of the bishop (this is facilitated by the officiating clergy person).
- That the ceremony be attested to by at least two witnesses.
- That the marriage conforms to the guidance of the Canons of The Episcopal Church and to the laws of the state.
- That at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian.
Weddings may be held at any time throughout the year except during Holy Week. Weddings are rarely celebrated during the penitential season of Lent, but it is possible.
We are able to schedule weddings with at least six months notice and no more than 18 months in advance. Premarital counseling is required of all couples. All couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, are required to follow the same policies.
To begin your marriage journey with us please contact the church office and ask to be put in contact with the rector.