Resource for clergy to give/use with couples seeking to be wed in an Episcopal Church
Many couples come to an Episcopal Church seeking a place to hold their wedding ceremony because they love the setting in our beautiful churches. Many couples seek to be married in the Episcopal Church because their parents are members and/or it was the church of their childhood, but have lapsed in attendance. While marriage is a tradition for many rooted in the religious tradition, the church continues to be an agent of the state in performing the legal components. And some couples are deeply connected to their parish family and seek a marriage grounded in the rites of the church. Intended as an accessible resource, clergy can give the book to couples and use as a preparation tool in planning "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage" (wedding) in the Episcopal Church.
This book will satisfy the request clergy often receive from individuals (as well as newcomers, unmarried parents, same gender couples, those seeking remarriage) who desire to be married, but don't know what is involved from an Episcopal perspective. It will include essays, an outline and explanation of the marriage service, and how couples can live out the promises they make to one another.
Read an excerpt
Introduction
1. The Marriage Canon: What the Church Requires
2. The Officiant
The Civil Law
The Church's Law
3. The Choice of Liturgy
On Whether to Have the Eucharist
An Outline of Wedding Possibilities
A Note on Place
4. And So It Begins ...
Eligibility to Marry
The Civil Side
The Sacred Side
5. Premarital Instruction
6. Witnessing and Registration
7. For Those Already Married
8. When Not to Wed
9. Planning the Liturgy
When and Where?
Big or Small? The Cast of Characters
Layout of the Church: Inside
Layout of the Church Grounds
Flowers and Décor
Wedding Planners
Photography
Music
Receptions and Where They Happen
Family and Friends
Sextons
Rings and Symbols
Bulletins and Programs
The Wedding Rehearsal
Final Preparation
About Arriving on Time
10. Walking Through the Liturgies
Before the Celebration
A Note on the Post-Celebration
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage (BCP and 2)
The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage
11. Sample Forms
Marriage Information and Application
Information Concerning the Couple
Concerning the Ceremony
Guide to Planning the Liturgy: Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage
Guide to Planning the Liturgy: Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2
Guide to Planning the Liturgy: Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage
The Declaration of Intention
A Traditional Wedding Service
A Glossary
"Kudos to liturgical scholar Tobias Haller for crafting this comprehensive guide to marriage in the Episcopal Church, based on canonical and liturgical changes authorized by the 2015 General Convention and presented in an easy to use format, for clergy, church musicians and couples. Great to have this information all in one resource!"
––The Right Reverend Thomas C. Ely, Bishop of Vermont
"Preparing for a Wedding in The Episcopal Church is an invaluable resource for any Episcopalian involved in wedding planning and preparation. It thoroughly and concisely explores everything from balancing the sacred and secular to navigating liturgical options to managing photographers and florists. Firmly rooted in solid theology and liturgical practice, it a timely and practical guide."
––The Reverend Susan Russell, Senior Associate at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena, California
"Here is a very practical, thorough, and theologically sound guide for clergy, couples, and church musicians on marriage in the Episcopal Church. The church's canon on marriage was updated most recently in 2015, and Tobias walks us through the changes and implications for planning, offering practical advice and guidance to assist all those involved."
––Carolyn Moomaw Chilton, Associate for Evangelism and Stewardship, Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
"Every parish priest should have this resource, which will help them become familiar with the marriage canon and marriage liturgies authorized in 2015. Tobias Haller offers wise pastoral guidance. Drawing from his years of experience, he explores the many options and recommends sound liturgical and pastoral practices."
––The Revered Dr. Ruth Meyers, Dean of Academic Affairs and
Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics
Church Divinity School of the Pacific
