“The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.” (From the Book of Common Prayer) 

At St Patrick’s Church, we believe that we offer a community of faith which can nurture and build upon the relationship that has brought two people together.

The blessing of the marriage is given with the understanding that the couple desire to continue to worship at St Patrick’s after the marriage and that should the couple be blessed with children that the children will be presented for baptism at a convenient time and the child will be raised in the Christian faith. Therefore, we do not usually officiate at marriages of couples who are not known to the clergy or to the parish. If you are planning to make St Patrick’s Church the place of your marriage, it is important for you to make that wish known to the clergy as soon as possible. In instances where couples are not members of St Patrick’s, or are not Episcopalian, you should contact the clergy for next steps. Come share in the Celebration of the Eucharist, get to know those who are a part of this community, seek out relationships with others that will be life-giving to all.

The canons (church laws) of the Episcopal Church require that each couple preparing for marriage in the Episcopal Church must undergo premarital counseling. Clergy cannot marry couples who have not completed premarital counseling. If a member of the couple has been previously married, the canons of the Church require the permission of the Bishop to proceed with the wedding plans. This process ensures that the previous marriage has achieved appropriate closure, and that all concerns and duties regarding former spouses, the care of any children from the previous marriage, and personal property have been justly and charitably engaged. All prospective couples should contact the clergy in order to initiate the wedding preparation process.

To inquire about marriages at St Patrick’s, feel free contact the church office.