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Who may be married in St. Paul’s Church?

Those who intend to enter into a Christian marriage may be married in St. Paul’s Church.  Both parties should have been baptized.  Normally, at least one of the parties will be a member of the parish or, if not a member, regularly worshiping here.  A couple will be expected to be at worship weekly in the six weeks preceding their first premarital meeting with a pastor, and will be expected to establish a regular discipline of attendance during the entire period of preparation prior to their marriage.

 

How do we begin?

If you believe you want to be married at St. Paul’s, begin participating in worship regularly.  (If you live away from Newark, begin to worship regularly where you are.)  Then, call the church office ((302) 368-0064) and make an appointment to see a pastor.  At that initial meeting the premarital conference time will be set, further information about the wedding will be provided, and dates for the rehearsal and wedding may be set.

 

No dates are set before a pastor meets with both parties to a marriage!

 

Premarital conferences

You will be asked to schedule several sessions with one of the pastors.  These sessions are designed to assist you in clarifying the similarities and differences in your individual value systems, and in helping you understand the implications for your life together.  This is an opportunity for you to share your hopes and dreams for your wedding and discuss the details concerning the service itself.

 

Who officiates?

The wedding ceremony and the rehearsal are normally conducted by one of the pastors of St. Paul’s Church.  Ministers of other churches may participate and assist should the couple so request.

 

How soon before the wedding are the arrangements made?

Six or eight months before the wedding is not too soon to see the pastor and to begin premarital counseling.  Weddings are not scheduled during Lent or Holy Week, both of which precede Easter.