Christian marriage is a covenantal relationship established when two individuals make solemn and public vows to one another in the presence of God and God’s people.
By vows of lifelong faithfulness and mutual love, care and respect, the wedding couple becomes a sacrament, that is, “an outward and visible sign,” of God’s steadfast love for creation and of Christ’s mystical union with the Christian Church. Holy Matrimony is, therefore, a gift to the Christian community, and we thank you for considering holding your wedding ceremony here.
Christian marriage presupposes a connection to the Christian community. In the Episcopal Church, at least one of the individuals to be married must be a baptized Christian. Also, the ceremony must be attested to by at least two witnesses, reflecting the public and sacramental nature of the solemn vows.
Couples wishing to marry at St. Philip’s must agree to pre-marital counseling with the parish clergy, or, if distance is a problem, with a priest near where they live. If either of the individuals is divorced, permission must be obtained from The Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina in order to perform the ceremony. This will be handled during pre-marital counseling by the clergy.
Coordinator for Marriages and Blessings
All couples who are to be married or blessed at St. Philip’s need to meet with our coordinator. The coordinator will assist the couple in planning all non-liturgical aspects of the ceremony. This would include flowers, service bulletins, photography, music, and reception planning. The couple should plan to meet with the coordinator approximately three months prior to the ceremony. During initial discussions with the clergy regarding the ceremony, couples will be put in touch with our coordinator.
For more information, please contact
Maryann D. Younger, Rector
maryann@stphilipsdurham.org