Wedding Guidelines
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations! We hope that this time of preparation for your wedding is joyful and stress-free. Below is an outline of what it means to enter into Holy Matrimony at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
WEDDINGS AT EMMANUEL
In the Episcopal Church the marriage ceremony is a worship service that praises and thanks God for all the blessings of this life. Thus, when planning a wedding service, you are planning a worship service. The Parish Priest is in charge and officiates all weddings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
THE SERVICE
All weddings at Emmanuel Church follow the liturgy for the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in The Book of Common Prayer (pages 423-432). The couple chooses scripture readings and music for the service under the guidance of the priest and parish music director. The service may also include a homily and celebration of Holy Eucharist, if desired.
THE FACILITY
Historic Emmanuel Church is a simple Gothic Revival brick church built in 1842. It seats approximately 120 persons and is fully heated and air-conditioned. Rooms in the Parish House next door may be reserved by the bridal party for dressing prior to the wedding. The Parish Hall with its full service kitchen may be reserved for the wedding reception.
DEFINITION OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
Christian marriage is both a legal and a spiritual union. The priest acts as an agent of the state and signs the marriage license, but Christian marriage is much more than a legal compact it is foremost a sacramental relationship between the two individuals and God. In the marriage ceremony, the priest pronounces God’s blessing upon the couple’s love and life together. It is the Church’s hope that Christian marriage begins and matures within the context of a Christian community. Couples requesting a marriage ceremony at Emmanuel Church should attend worship services before and during the time of preparation for the marriage.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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At least one member of the couple is baptized in a Trinitarian tradition,
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The authorized liturgies of the Episcopal Church are used,
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Preparation begins at least sixty days prior to the wedding date, and
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The couple participates in at least three sessions of premarital counseling with the priest.
FEES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A fee of $1,000 for use of the church is due and payable before the wedding rehearsal date. An additional fee of $300 is paid directly to the organist.
The Parish Hall may also be rented for the reception for an additional fee of $1,000. The priest does not require a fee for officiating the wedding, however, it is customary to make a donation to the Rector’s Assistance Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to those in need in our community.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please contact the parish secretary by email or phone at 540-687-6297.