“A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. St. John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion, and gave there a sign of new beginnings. Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship—God’s blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and bad. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, made and celebrated in the presence of God and before a priest and witnesses.”
(From the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer)
At Christ Church, we believe that we offer a community of faith which can nurture and build upon the relationship that has brought two people together. Therefore, we do not officiate at marriages of couples who are not known to the clergy and parish. (In instances where couples are not members of Christ Church, or are not Episcopalian, we do rent out the church, with the officiant supplied by the couple.) If you are planning to make Christ Church the place of your marriage, it is important for you to make that wish known to the clergy at least a year in advance. Come share in the Celebration of the Eucharist, get to know those who are a part of this community, seek out relationships with others that will be life-giving to all.
The canons of the Episcopal Church require that each couple preparing for marriage in the Episcopal Church must undergo pre-marital counseling. Clergy cannot marry couples who have not completed pre-marital counseling. If a member of the couple has been previously married, the canons of the Church require the permission of the Bishop to proceed with the wedding plans. This process ensures that the previous marriage has achieved appropriate closure, and that all concerns and duties regarding former spouses, the care of any children from the previous marriage, and personal property have been justly and charitably engaged. All prospective couples should contact the clergy in order to initiate the wedding preparation process.
To inquire about marriages at Christ Church, please use the web contact form provided below to contact a member of our clergy.