Many couples come to an Episcopal Church seeking a place to hold their wedding ceremony because they love the setting in our beautiful churches. Many couples seek to be married in the Episcopal Church because their parents are members and/or it was the church of their childhood, but have lapsed in attendance. While marriage is a tradition for many rooted in the religious tradition, the church continues to be an agent of the state in performing the legal components. And some couples are deeply connected to their parish family and seek a marriage grounded in the rites of the church. Intended as an accessible resource, clergy can give the book to couples and use as a preparation tool in planning "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage" (wedding) in the Episcopal Church.

This book will satisfy the request clergy often receive from individuals (as well as newcomers, unmarried parents, same gender couples, those seeking remarriage) who desire to be married, but don't know what is involved from an Episcopal perspective. It will include essays, an outline and explanation of the marriage service, and how couples can live out the promises they make to one another.

Audience: Couples seeking marriage, clergy who provide marriage preparation

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