Holy Matrimony
“Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows” (Book of Common Prayer, page 861). Beginning in 2018, the Episcopal Church also provides for same-sex weddings in all its parishes.
At Saints Matthew and Mark, we will do everything we can to make your wedding day as memorable and joyful as possible. To avoid unpleasant surprises, however, please be aware of the following requirements.
To be married at Saints Matthew and Mark, at least one of the parties must be baptized, and at least one of the parties needs to be an active member of the parish (or an immediate family member of such a member). At least thirty days’ notice is normally required to schedule a wedding. Remarriage of divorced persons in church while a former spouse is still alive requires the bishop's permission. Episcopal Church canon law gives the clergy the discretion to decline to officiate at any wedding.
Please obtain the clergy’s agreement to conduct the wedding on the desired date before making any other arrangements (such as for the reception or honeymoon). A period of pre-nuptial instruction and counseling with the officiating clergy will be necessary. The wedding cannot go forward without presentation of a valid Rhode Island marriage license issued in the city or town where the wedding is to take place.
At Saints Matthew and Mark, we will do everything we can to make your wedding day as memorable and joyful as possible. To avoid unpleasant surprises, however, please be aware of the following requirements.
To be married at Saints Matthew and Mark, at least one of the parties must be baptized, and at least one of the parties needs to be an active member of the parish (or an immediate family member of such a member). At least thirty days’ notice is normally required to schedule a wedding. Remarriage of divorced persons in church while a former spouse is still alive requires the bishop's permission. Episcopal Church canon law gives the clergy the discretion to decline to officiate at any wedding.
Please obtain the clergy’s agreement to conduct the wedding on the desired date before making any other arrangements (such as for the reception or honeymoon). A period of pre-nuptial instruction and counseling with the officiating clergy will be necessary. The wedding cannot go forward without presentation of a valid Rhode Island marriage license issued in the city or town where the wedding is to take place.