Matrimony at St. Paul’s
Matrimony is the Sacrament whereby a man and woman are united to each other as husband and wife before God and his Church.
Our beliefs about matrimony
Matrimony is one of the seven Sacraments. Sacraments are outward, visible signs of inward, spiritual grace.
The matter of Matrimony is the consent of the couple to live together as husband and wife in the lifelong union of a Christian marriage. The form of Matrimony is the vows (“I take thee…”) and the consent (“I will”) from the husband and wife.
Marriage was instituted by God: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen 2:24).
Marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and woman that cannot be severed: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:9).
In addition to companionship and procreation, marriage is an icon that participates in “the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church” (BCP 300; cf. Eph 5:21-33). Human marriage points us to an eschatological reality, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:6-9).
Our Policy on Matrimony
Can We Get Married at st. paul’s?
A man and woman can get married at St. Paul’s if they are unmarried, baptized Christians who are members of St. Paul’s.
If you would like to be baptized, please see our page on Holy Baptism.
If you have been previously married, your situation needs to be discussed with the Priests. Because marriage is a lifelong covenant, it needs to be discerned whether you are eligible for an annulment (see Canon 34.2 in the APA’s Constitution and Canons).
If you are not a member of St. Paul’s, we would love to talk to you about joining. You will need to regularly attend services and contribute financially to the parish for six months before eligible for pre-marital counseling.
What is the Process like to get married at St. Paul’s?
If you meet the requirements for marriage detailed above, the first step is to reach out to Fr. Wesley or Fr. David by email or fill out the inquiry form below.
An initial meeting will be scheduled. The couple should bring a completed Application for the Sacrament of Matrimony, and a check made out to St. Paul’s Anglican Church for half of the agreed upon fee in order to reserve the time and date of the wedding.
The remaining balance will be due one week before the wedding.
In the event of a cancellation, the Rector must be informed at least 30 days prior to the wedding date for the deposit to be returned.
Pre-Marital Counseling
The couple must agree to complete at least five premarital counseling sessions with the Rector or assisting clergy.
Upon completion of the premarital counseling sessions, but before the wedding ceremony, the couple must sign the following statement from Canon 34.4 of the Canons of the Anglican Province of America:
We, A.B. and C.D., 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 it is for the purpose of the procreation (if it may be) of children, and their spiritual and physical nurture, for mutual fellowship, encouragement, and understanding, and for the safeguarding and benefit of society, 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.
The Rehearsal: A donation of $125 by check is expected at the time of the rehearsal.
The Wedding Day: Prior to the wedding ceremony, the Best Man will be responsible for the following:
The Marriage License
The Rings
The honorarium (an amount may be given to the clergy who performs the service at the distraction of the bride and groom. It is given in a separate check made out to the clergy or cash)
Music for the Ceremony: Our Parish Music Director, Andrea Linnell (410-760-2092) is available for wedding ceremonies. This service is under separate contract and payment is made directly to them. Please contact her directly. She is not usually available from June through August.
PLEASE NOTE: Clergy have the right to refuse to perform a marriage at any time for any reason.
When Can we get married?
Weddings are not performed during the liturgical seasons of Advent or Lent. Any other time of year is permitted.
At the initial interview, you can work with the Priest to set a date.