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 Parish Church.
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.
Interested in Having your Wedding at Trinity?
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
Here are a few key policies and procedures to be aware of as you consider having your wedding at Trinity:
- Baptism: At least one of the wedding couple must be a baptized Episcopalian.
- Request a wedding packet: Contact the to receive a copy of our wedding packet; this document provides many additional details about how weddings take place at Trinity. Please read through the entire packet to confirm that Trinity’s philosophy, policies, and traditions regarding marriage and weddings are in alignment with your own.
- Check the date: After you have read the wedding packet, you may contact the to see if your desired date is available and to discuss how to proceed.
- Deposit: 50% of the total fee is due when we reserve your wedding date on the church calendar. The balance is due by your rehearsal date.
- 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 prior to your wedding.
- 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 six weeks is required for this step.
- Music selections: All musical selections, instruments, solos, and hymns must be approved by our Music Department and finalized at least one month prior to the wedding. Music for weddings at Trinity is subject to the same standards and policies as is music for any other parish service. Only classical or traditional music appropriate to a sacred occasion may be performed.
- 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.
