Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Mark 10:9
Christian marriage is an extraordinary gift from God, in which a couple are called to live in the saving grace of Christ, enriched, guided, and sustained by the Holy Spirit, in communion with the community of the Church. The celebration and blessing of such a marriage is usually held in the church or the chapel. At least one of the couple being married must be a baptized Christian and a regular parishioner at St. James’ for at least six months prior to the wedding.
Couples contemplating marriage should consult promptly with the clergy to arrange a date for the ceremony and to allow time for premarital counseling and instruction. A minimum of 30 days’ notice must be given prior to a wedding. For those who have been divorced, 90 days’ notice must be given, as permission of a bishop is required. For those divorced more than twice, a written letter of recommendation for this marriage is needed from a mental healthcare professional. Under no circumstances should the Episcopal Church be a “place of convenience” for a couple to avoid the marriage standards, requirements, or prohibitions of their own denomination.