“Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, and comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.  Amen.” 
                                             —The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage,
                                             The Book of Common Prayer

At Christ Church Cathedral, we believe marriage is a joyful event and a sacrament.  It is a public proclamation of the love between two people, and the blessing of Christ on that union.  We celebrate marriage as a sign of love and a blessing of that union.

As a consequence, weddings at Christ Church Cathedral conform to the normal practices of the Episcopal Church and, within that practice, we welcome the marriage here of members of other denominations and faiths.  We expect that our Episcopal traditions and practices will be respected; likewise, we will respect the practices and traditions of other faiths.  In cases where clergy of different denominations are co-celebrating, each tradition is respected in the ceremony.

We have come to realize that local Episcopal faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions.  A resolution (C051; see below) passed at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2003 stated that we are still finding our way on this matter and are not yet of one mind.  Here, at Christ Church Cathedral, all persons desiring a blessing of their union are also asked to participate in counseling with our clergy, to submit all required forms and to respect the practices of the Episcopal church.
 
If you desire a marriage, union, or blessing of a civil marriage, please contact our clergy at the number given below.  Weddings are available to members and nonmembers.  But premarital counseling is generally required for all persons.  Weddings, unions and blessings are usually booked in advance and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is a suggested donation for services, which would cover the costs of building use, clergy, security, catering and custodial assistance.

For more information, or to check for availability, please call the Cathedral office at (314) 231-3454.