We support the vocation of marriage and offer a ceremony for the celebration and blessing of marriage. Christians are called into community and into relationships that express the love of God in a lifelong bond of mutual support. In the Episcopal Church, the purpose of marriage is expressed in the Book of Common Prayer.

• For mutual joy
• For the help and comfort given 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 God.

In the laws—canons—of the Episcopal Church, at least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian. Marriage preparation, in the form of pastoral counseling is required to help the two identify relationship strengths and challenges and to see the spiritual dimension in marriage. This is required because the Church believes marriage is a lifelong covenant, a God promise. If either party is divorced, the clergy must request permission from the bishop to perform the ceremony.

At Christ Church we see the celebration and blessing of a marriage as an opportunity for the couple to come closer to God and grow in faith. We prefer at least one person regularly attend worship and become a member of Christ Church, if not currently a member. Pastoral consideration is given for adults who now live at a distance from Wilmington who are coming “home” to be united in marriage.

For more information on celebrating and blessing your marriage, please contact Sherry Lawton-Fasic or a member of the clergy. Click here to download a copy of "Holy Matrimony at Christ Church."

When individuals join lives, they build one common, shared life. Planning for the future, the couple should design a will to specify the use of material assets that are brought to the marriage. Click here for more information on creating a will or considering a planned gift.