Holy Matrimony: Introduction & Information

In the Episcopal Church Holy Matrimony is the sacramental rite in which a woman and man enter into a life-long union, making their vows before God and the Church, and receiving the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.

It is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons, or official rules, of the Episcopal Church.

The canons of the Church require the man and woman to make the following declaration of intention before the service

We, desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a life-long union of husband and wife as it is set forth in The Book of Common Prayer.

We believe that the union of husband and wife, in heart, body, and mind, is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.

And we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek God's help thereto.

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, as found in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) of the Episcopal Church is the normal service used for weddings at Good Shepherd. The Holy Eucharist is a central part of this liturgy and all baptized persons are invited to receive the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. Members of other Christian denominations who are baptized and who receive the Holy Communion in their own congregations are warmly invited to share in receiving communion. Marriage is a sacramental rite, and as such, the content of the wedding service is under the supervision of the officiating priest. Within the liturgy the couple selects scripture readings (see below) and may ask family members or friends to serve as readers. If music is used, this is another area in which, under the supervision of the organist and music director at Good Shepherd, a couple may help to shape the liturgy.

In addition to the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, a man and woman who have already been married legally in a civil marriage may wish to have The Blessing of a Civil Marriage.


Arranging for a wedding at Good Shepherd

The church seats 200 and is appropriate for any size wedding.

Weddings must be scheduled well in advanced. The time of the year may be a consideration since our church is not air-conditioned.

As soon as you think you might be interested in having your wedding at Good Shepherd, call the parish office and ask to make an appointment with Father Mead. Once a date has been cleared and a deposit of $250 has been received, we will arrange the first of several pre-marital conferences and answer whatever questions you may have about the service or its preparations.

Music may be a part of the service. All music for weddings is under the supervision and direction of the rector and the music director at Good Shepherd. Our organist is the usual organist for a wedding, but if she is unavailable we may be able to arrange for a substitute organist. Outside music is perfectly appropriate with consultation from the rector and music director at Good Shepherd.

If flowers are desired, two large arrangements may be placed behind the Altar. For a wedding that takes place on a Friday or a Saturday, it is assumed that flowers will remain in the church to be used for the services on Sunday. The newly married couple will be listed as donors for the flowers in the church bulletin on that Sunday. Finding a florist is the responsibility of the couple - although the church will be happy to recommend local florists. Runners, whether of fabric or paper, are not used in weddings at Good Shepherd. Bird seed, bubbles, flower petals and such things also are not used inside Good Shepherd - though bubbles can certainly be used outside before or after the service.

Formal photographs of the wedding party can be taken, by arrangement with the church staff, before or after the wedding ceremony. Photographers and their assistants should be discreet and not draw attention to themselves. If the photographer or videographer is uncooperative, the officiating priest may ask him or her to leave. Photographers and videographers should acquaint themselves with the natural lighting at Good Shepherd well before the ceremony. Flash photography and/or video lights are not permitted in weddings at Good Shepherd during any part of the service, including the procession and recession. Photographers and videographers may shoot only from designated stationary positions on the floor of the church or from the balcony. Those who take pictures are not permitted to obstruct the central aisle or intrude into the sanctuary itself during the ceremony. They must abide by the flash/light policy in all circumstances. We ask that the couple ensure that the professionals they engage adhere to these policies.

Good Shepherd has lots of parking behind the church for guests. There is also a scenic drive in the church front lawn from which limos can arrive and depart from conveniently, if desired.

Good Shepherd has a large hall and professional kitchen attached to the church. This can be rented out for use - we do not supply a caterer. Additionally, if the weather permits, the scenic front lawn of the church can be used for receptions during daylight hours.

Good Shepherd has adequate space for the bride to change, but arrangements must be made well in advance. In general we recommend that all members of the wedding party arrive at the church dressed for the service. Remember that photographers are interested in taking as many photographs as possible—this is their business—and they will continue to press for “one more shot” and can cause you to be late. Please be disciplined with these people for the sake of your guests.

The officiating priest will arrange a rehearsal with the couple. Typically, the rehearsal is held in the evening the day before the wedding. It is expected that all members of the wedding party attend the rehearsal, unless excused by the priest. The wedding license should be brought to the rehearsal. Rings, if they are to be used, also may be brought to the rehearsal and given to the officiating priest for safekeeping until the service.

The following readings are particularly appropriate for use in the service. The bride and groom should read through the selections so that when they meet with the priest, they may select one Old Testament lesson, one Psalm, one Epistle reading and one Gospel reading. Non-scriptural readings are not used.

Old Testament Readings
¨ Genesis 1:26-28 (Male and female he created them)
¨ Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh)
¨ Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love) (That she and I may grow old together)

Psalms
¨ Psalms 67
¨ Psalm 127
¨ Psalm 128

Epistle Readings
¨ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Love is patient and kind)
¨ Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Father from whom ever family is named)
¨ Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 (Walk in love, as Christ loved us)
¨ Colossians 3:12-17 (Love which binds everything together in harmony)
¨ 1 John 4:7-16 (Let us love one another for love is of God)

Gospel
¨ Matthew 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes)
¨ Matthew 5:13-16 (You are the light...Let your light so shine)
¨ Matthew 7:21,24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock)
¨ Mark 10:6-9,13-16 (They are no longer two but one)
¨ John 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you)

Pease speak with Father Mead about the fee schedules. If you are interested in joining the parish before your wedding, please contact us. We will be extremely happy to help you learn more about church membership.