To celebrate the sacrament of Holy Matrimony
at the Parish, each couple must adhere to the laws of the District
of Columbia
, the Canons of the Episcopal Church,
and the customs and practices of this Parish. The Parish and her clergy
take very seriously the priestly and canonical responsibilities of Holy
Matrimony. We require proper preparation for marriage as well as the
reverent, dignified, and joyful celebration. This booklet sets forth parish
policy and custom to assist you in planning for this solemn occasion.
The use of the parish’ church building for a wedding that does not
involve the parish or its clergy is not allowed.
First-Time Marriage for Both Persons
Baptism
At least one of the couple must be a baptized, practicing Christian
and active at the Parish. In the Church, the marriage of a man and
a woman is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace;
it signifies to the world “the mystical union that is betwixt Christ
and his Church.” So those who intend to be married in the Church
must intend to have their married lives be in submission to God. A
couple being married in the Church must intend to live with the help
and guidance of God, under his obedience, and in the fellowship and
grace of his Church.
Declaration of Intention
The bride and bridegroom must sign the Declaration of Intention. In
doing so, they signify their intention to uphold the sacrament of marriage
in keeping with the teachings of the Church. Both persons must understand
and agree with the following:
We, N. and N., desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony
in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong
union of husband and wife as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.
We believe that the union of husband
and wife, in heart, body, and mind, is intended by God for their mutual
joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity;
and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and
their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
And we do engage ourselves, so far as
in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship
and to seek God’s help thereto.
Premarital Counseling
The couple must have premarital counseling with a priest. The Church
requires that “both parties have been instructed as to the nature,
meaning, and purpose of Holy Matrimony.” At any time during the
counseling, and at any time before the wedding, the priest may decline
to solemnize the marriage.
Application 90 Days Advanced Notice
Application for weddings should be made at least ninety (90) days in
advance of the proposed wedding date. Advance notice is necessary to
schedule counseling sessions and to make other arrangements. Weddings
may not be scheduled on Sundays, on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day,
or in Lent. It is preferable that weddings not be scheduled during
Advent.
Marriage Rite
All marriages will be in the church building or chapel and will be according
to the rite of the Parish. At the discretion of the priest and the
couple, the liturgy may include a mass.
Persons Divorced Once
Marriage is intended by God to be a life-long union. It is possible,
however, for those who have been divorced to be married again in the
Episcopal Church. In addition to the above requirements, the following
conditions must be met:
Elapsed Time
A time of one (1) year from the date of the filing for petition of divorce
or six (6) months after the date of the final divorce or annulment decree
will have elapsed.
Ongoing Pastoral Relationship
One or both persons seeking remarriage must have an ongoing Pastoral
relationship with one of the parish clergy.
Baptism and Parish Membership
One of the persons must be baptized and a participating and supporting
member of the Parish.
Obligations to Former Spouse and Children
Obligations to the former spouse—and to the divorced person's children—have
been or are being fulfilled responsibly.
Responsibility in the Failure of the Previous Marriage
The intended spouse
will not have been responsible for the break-up of the previous marriage.
Bishop's Permission
The priest must seek
permission from the Bishop for the marriage to take place. Certified
copies of the final divorce or annulment decrees must accompany the
application to the Bishop.
Persons Divorced Twice
Extenuating Circumstances
Extraordinary extenuating circumstances must apply for this even to
be considered. With the support of one of the Parish clergy, application
may be made to the Bishop for his rigorous review.
Blessing of Civil Marriages
Persons who do not meet the requirements for marriage may be counseled
to be married in a civil ceremony.
Those divorced once may request permission to have their marriage blessed after
one year of marriage. Those divorced twice may request permission to
have their marriage blessed after two years of marriage, providing:
- Both persons have an ongoing pastoral relationship with the priest,
and
- Both persons are regular in attendance and are participating and
supporting members of the Church
