Wedding Guidelines
Introduction
At St. Philip’s Church, we take great pleasure in participating in the creation of new Christian families through the celebration and blessing of marriages. When a man and woman present themselves to be united in Holy Matrimony, it is an occasion of great joy and thanksgiving for the entire parish; all that we do is for the purpose of facilitating the wedding ceremony, to augment the celebration of the marriage, and to insure that the new marriage relationship is begun on a firm foundation. These goals require careful attention and work on the part of the church, the prospective bride and groom, and their families and friends. Whereas the customs and traditions of the church surrounding Holy Matrimony are derived from our sacramental theology and liturgical heritage, we must recognize that the expectations of society at large no longer reflect a Christian theological foundation. Therefore, we offer this guide as an explanation of Anglican theology and customs concerning marriage in the hope that it will provide not only information about planning a wedding at St. Philip’s but also a sound and positive theological perspective as well.
To begin with, Christian marriage is defined in the Book of Common Prayer (page 422) as a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. This emphasis upon covenant relationship as opposed to legal contract underscores the high seriousness with which the church addresses marriage. It calls for the same kind of mystical union enjoyed by God and his people Israel and by Christ and His Church. It is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God (B.C.P., page 423).
Once the religious seriousness with which the Episcopal Church takes the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is fully comprehended, all of the Church’s expectations and traditions concerning the actual wedding ceremony are perfectly consistent. In fact, almost every potential conflict regarding a wedding can be avoided if all parties constantly hold before them one abiding principle: the liturgy of Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage is a service of worship for the Church, just as Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist are. Therefore, marriage in the church is neither private nor personalized; it does not celebrate the ideal of romantic love between man and woman but rather the real bond of love between Christ and the Church which marriage signifies. Marriage is not required of any Christian, but it is a sacramental relationship, nevertheless. The celebration of Eucharist is an expected and necessary part of weddings at St. Philip’s. Celebrating the Eucharist as part of a marriage is in keeping with the theological intent of the Book of Common Prayer and respects our customs and traditions here at this particular parish. As at all of our Eucharist’s, all baptized Christians are welcomed, and encouraged to receive the sacrament regardless of denomination; therefore, we invite all Christians present to participate. The parish will arrange for acolytes or Lay Eucharistic Ministers as needed.