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Weddings for Couples Who Are Not Members
Congratulations on your engagement!
Saint Peter’s, Cazenovia welcomes you to consider having your wedding blest in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony through the ministry of our church. Please know in advance of contacting us that the following guidelines apply –
The clergy of our parish should be consulted immediately following your engagement as there are requirements that must be complied with in accordance with the canons of the church, namely
- The clergy of this parish must know the couple for at least three months prior to the proposed wedding date. If there has been a previous divorce involving either individual, the clergy must have known the couple for at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date. Also, in the event of a prior divorce, the approval of the bishop must be sought and gained in a process of inquiry which can only be initiated by the officiating clergy.
- Membership in a local Episcopal faith community, in particular Saint Peter’s, Cazenovia is expected but not required. One of the couple however must be a Christian, preferably an Episcopalian but again being a member of our church is not required. We wish to be and become a welcoming and inclusive faith community.
- The clergy of Saint Peter’s, Cazenovia requires an initial consultation in person with the couple before any permission to marry at Saint Peter’s is allowed. If a discernment of a call to marriage in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is affirmed in the initial consultation, no less than three additional meetings over a span of no less than three months and preferably a year will be required.
- There are fee schedules and other responsibilities attending a couple’s wedding at Saint Peter’s. These will be discussed only after a discernment of a call to marriage in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony has been made.
Christian marriage is a solemn commitment to a lifelong relationship between two individuals which merits serious and deliberate discernment of God’s call, and thorough discussion with a wise and knowledgeable member of the ordained priesthood prior to approaching God’s altar. When done with respect and humility and solemnity befitting an occasion of God’s grace and blessing bestowed upon God’s people, marriage can be a joyful and lifelong happiness.
We commend this state of Holy Matrimony to all who feel called to marriage.
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A priest or bishop normally presides at the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist . . .
from The Book of Common Prayer, page 422
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