Weddings

The following are guidelines regarding weddings at

St. John’s:

At least one (bride or groom) must be a baptized member of this parish for at least one year.

All weddings must be approved during an initial visit with the rector.

Counseling with a priest or a professional therapist

is required (usually six hours).

The ceremony in the Book of Common Prayer is followed closely.

We uphold the standard of chastity (abstinence/celibacy outside of marriage); couples should be prepared to discuss their response to this teaching during the course of their counseling.

If either bride or groom has been married before, permission from the bishop must first be granted.

A priest has the right not to marry a couple for any reason.

Communication is always between the priest and

the couple - parents are supportive but not directive.

Engagement length suggested for first marriages is six months (or more) and nine months (or more) for second marriages.

A wedding booklet may be obtained from the parish office; this explains more about the process, lists the non-budgeted expenses which the church meets when hosting a wedding, and helps answer other questions.