The relationship between husband and wife is perhaps the most wonderful of all human experiences, and one that offers a level of love and companionship that is unsurpassed by any other. For centuries the Church has delighted in uniting couples in the bonds of Matrimony by offering them the Blessing of God on their union, and the Sacrament of Marriage is one of the Church's most sacred and significant rites. Because marriage is such a major step to take, we at Grace Episcopal Church are very serious about our priestly and canonical responsibilities for presiding at a marriage. At least one of the persons to be married must be a Baptized, practicing Christian.
Premarital counseling is required.
Because the marriage relationship is so important, the Episcopal Church insists upon adequate counseling before the ceremony takes place, At Grace Episcopal Church this usually entails four sessions with the Vicar in addition to the rehearsal. Applications must be received in the church office at least forty-five days in advance of the proposed wedding day, in order for all the counseling sessions and other arrangements to be scheduled. The advance notice requirement is vital. It is particularly important if one person to be married resides out of this area. In addition, Grace Episcopal Church receives many wedding applications, the earlier the time and date of the proposed wedding is requested, the more likely it is to be available.