Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the couple enters into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.

It is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons, or official rules, of the Episcopal Church.

The canons of the Church require that the couple make the following declaration of intention before the service

We understand the teaching of the church that God’s purpose for our marriage is for our mutual joy, for the help and comfort we will give to each other in prosperity and adversity, and, when it is God’s will, for the gift and heritage of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of God. We also understand that our marriage is to be unconditional, mutual, exclusive, faithful, and lifelong; and we engage to make the utmost effort to accept these gifts and fulfill these duties, with the help of God and the support of our community.

Christ Church does not rent the church out for outside weddings. All marriages at Christ Church must be approved by the Rector, and the Rector or Member of the Clergy authorized by the Rector must officiate at the wedding. It is within the discretion of any Member of the Clergy of Episcopal Church to decline to solemnize or bless any marriage.