Holy Matrimony
A Joyful Celebration in the House of God
Saint Mark’s offers our services for weddings to those who are active members of our parish and to their children or grandchildren, members of other Episcopal churches who for some reason require a different location, or anyone actively exploring Saint Mark’s as their parish home. This sacrament is celebrated for couples of both different and the same sex.
The Episcopal Church does allow for marriage of divorced persons. However, if one or both of you has been married once before, the process requires consent of the Bishop after recommendation by the clergy. Ninety days is needed between the time of your first meeting with the clergy and your wedding date, in order to do the work necessary to obtain the Bishop’s approval.
In the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the Bishop will not approve any third, fourth or more marriages, and so we are unable to offer the sacrament to you if either of you has been married and divorced more than once. The church may bless a Civil Service after the period of one year.
Congratulations to both of you on your decision to make this important commitment to each other in the presence of God, your friends and family and the wider community of faith. Christian marriage is both a sacrament of the church and a vocation for Christians. Sacrament and vocation are of primary importance, so your co-operation is needed in making your wedding at the Church a holy and joyful worship service.