1020 Rose Ranch Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone (760) 744-7667 | Fax (760) 744-2627
[Directions to Grace | Google Map]
Wedding Information
(Scroll down to download forms and policies. )
Congratulations on your decision to get married! 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. To be married at Grace Episcopal Church, each couple must meet the basic requirements established by the Canons (rules) of the Episcopal Church and the practices of this mission.
At least one of the persons to be married must be a Baptized, practicing Christian. The Book of Common Prayer says that "Christian Marriage" is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God, and is understood to be meant only for those who intend to live their married lives with the help and guidance of God.
The couple's understanding of marriage must be in agreement with what the church believes about matrimony, which is clearly identified, in the words of the marriage ceremony. "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage", found in the Book of Common Prayer.
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 Pastor 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. Please remember: No wedding time or date is guaranteed until the application is approved by the priest and details confirmed.
In addition to the Officiating Priest, there must be at least two persons present to witness your ceremony. This is rarely a problem, and in fact most couples main concern is in keeping the guest list from getting out of hand! Grace Episcopal Church seats an absolute total of 170.
The Wedding Service must conform to that authorized by the Episcopal Church. Since we are a liturgical Church, the Sacrament of Matrimony is administered using the prescribed form for "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage" in the Book of Common Prayer. Any re-arrangement of the rite or rewording of the vows is not permitted.
Most couples find that the traditional Anglican service is very moving, and that there are enough options for choices of readings and prayers to make the ceremony "personal". There is also plenty of opportunity for special music to enhance the Wedding Service.
We hope these requirements will give you a better understanding of our approach to Marriage at Grace Episcopal Church, and will help you with your application.
May God bless you both as you go about preparing for this important step in your lives.
Rev. Bill Leiber , Pastor
Grace Church San Marcos
Today is The Lord's Day
|
