Weddings

In Christian marriage, a couple enter into a life-long commitment, making vows before God and the Church, and receiving the prayers and blessings of the Church to help them keep those vows. It is both a solemn occasion and a time of great joy. If you understand marriage as a lifelong union supported by the grace and power of God and lived out in the community of the Church, then a marriage ceremony in church is right for you.

St. Michael's is available for marriage ceremonies when at least one of the persons to be married is a parishioner or intends to be regular in worshipping at St. Michael's. In addition, the following conditions apply in order to comply with the Episcopal Church requirements:

• One of the two persons to be married must be a baptized Christian.
• The form of service is according to The Book of Common Prayer.
• The Rector of St. Michael's officiates at all weddings celebrated here, except in the most unusual circumstances. Visiting clergy may be invited to assist in the celebration at the invitation of the officiating priest and in consultation with the bride and groom.
• The ceremony must be attested to by two witnesses and conform to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the canons of the Episcopal Church.
• The bride and groom must enter into a pastoral relationship with the Rector at least four months prior to the wedding date. They will meet several times to prepare for the lifelong covenant of marriage and to plan the service.
• When either one of the persons or both of them are divorced, the Rector must apply for the Bishop's permission to perform the marriage. This requires special premarital preparation and the completion of application materials by both the bride and groom. If either or both of the persons have been divorced twice, then special professional counseling (to be paid for by the couple) is required before the Bishop's permission can be given.

For more information about getting married at St. Michael's, please contact the Parish Secretary.