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 At Trinity we believe marriage is a spiritual commitment. Your preparation offers a very important and joyful time to deepen your relationship. These guidelines are designed to give you information about the philosophy, policies and traditions of weddings at Trinity Episcopal Church. One of the clergy will go over it with you at your initial visit. You are requested, however, to read it carefully yourselves and refer to it throughout the time of planning for your wedding.
Christian Marriage in the Episcopal Tradition Listed below are some assumptions we make about marriage in the Christian tradition as it is lived out through the Episcopal Church. - -- Marriage is intended by God to be a lifelong union of husband and wife in body, mind and spirit. It is a covenant (contract) that two people make with each other in the presence of God and witnesses.
- -- Marriage is intended by God for the mutual joy of the couple. It is also one of the most challenging and exciting of human relationships. As such, it is meant to be lived out in a community of faith where it can be supported and nurtured.
- -- Marriage is intended by God to safeguard the well-being of children. By choosing to be married in the Church, you are stating that if it God’s will that your marriage is blessed with children, you intend to raise them in the Church.
Congratulations on your coming marriage. Preparation for marriage is a wonderful time. We would be glad to be of help to you and offer these guidelines for your planning. Please talk to us about having your wedding at Trinity. Although we do not require membership at Trinity, we do suggest that you attend services and worship with us before your marriage.
--Fr. Paul Collins, Rector
Requirements for Weddings at Trinity
1. Baptism: At least one of the wedding couple must be baptized Episcopalian.
2. Check the date: Contact the Parish Administrator to see if your date is available and to discuss how to proceed.
3. Meeting with clergy: As soon as possible after checking dates, make an appointment to meet with one of the priests of Trinity Parish who will go over the Marriage Guidelines and assist you in your planning.
4. Deposit: 50% of the total fee is due within one month of your initial clergy meeting. If we do not receive this deposit, the date will not be held on our calendar. The balance is due by your rehearsal date.
5. Premarital counseling: Typically, this involves up to three sessions with Trinity’s clergy, but you may discuss other options with the priest. We expect that you will complete your counseling at least one month before your wedding.
6. Previous marriage: If either of you have been married before, the priest is required to ascertain the circumstances of the previous marriage. If there was a divorce, consent must be obtained from the Episcopal Bishop of Olympia. A minimum of 6 weeks is required for this step.
7. Contact the Wedding Coordinator as soon as possible. She is a valuable resource for you during the planning of your wedding, and she can advise you of what works and what doesn’t.
8. Contact the Music Director at least three months before your wedding. He needs to approve all music selections.
9. Have your florist contact the Altar Guild Flower Coordinator.
10. Marriage license: You will need to obtain a marriage license from King County and bring it to the church at the wedding rehearsal. You may obtain this in person at the King County Administration Building or through the mail. The law requires at least three days between the date the license is obtained and the first day it can be used. It is good for 60 days.
11. Regular worship: If you live in the area, we invite you to worship with us at Trinity. This will help you to be more familiar with our building and your priest. If you live elsewhere, we encourage you to attend an Episcopal Church where you live.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 May 2010 )
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