To ensure that your wedding goes smoothly and fulfills the needs of
both our church and the State of Washington, we ask that you agree to
the following:
1. That as much advance notice as possible be given to St. Thomas
clergy of your plans to marry (a minimum of 90 days).
2. That the couple receive permission from our Rector if clergy
outside of St. Thomas will be asked to officiate. We encourage and
welcome ecumenical or inter-faith ceremonies; however, additional
coordination and planning is usually needed.
3. That the couple successfully complete premarital counseling and
are adequately prepared to seek and maintain a lifelong and healthy
union as husband and wife under God’s guidance and care. We ask that
couples complete their counseling as early as possible in the process
and no later than six weeks before the wedding.
4. That both parties receive instruction on the Christian
understanding of marriage and family (with at least one party having
already been baptized) and agree to work with clergy and organist in
designing and participating in a service which reflects the sacredness
of the event within the broad context of the Episcopal faith. Our clergy
reserves the right to refuse to solemnize any marriage for suitable
reason such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages before or during
the wedding.
5. That the couple assume responsibility for obtaining a wedding
license issued by the State of Washington and agree to follow state
laws.
6. That in the case that either of you has been married
previously, you provide the following: (1) a copy of the divorce
decree, (2) give consent to your officiating clergy to ask the Bishop’s
permission to officiate at your wedding, and (3) be willing to discuss
the ending of the previous marriage in order to determine if adequate
closure has been achieved and that the welfare of any former spouse or
children of the prior marriage has been considered.
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