41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-5980
Marriage Practices and Policies
Bethesda is ready to be the place where the most important Vows of your life will be made. We do this according to the Vows of the Episcopal Church, the Dioces of Albany, and the practice of the Rector and Parish of Bethesda.
You may request forms and information from us which will reflect the information found here. Call the Parish Office at (518) 584-5980 for the materials. The Rector is required to meet you both before agreeing to marry you and therefore all plans must await the return of these materials and this meeting before being considered final.
The Episcopal Church Canons (laws) state that weddings are to be performed for those who are at least baptized and in the “Community of Faith”. Our Bishop interprets this to mean that the couple will be active in the Church’s worship and that the ceremony will be held in a church building or chapel as the place where the “Community of Faith” normally gathers.
- Bethesda, therefore, expects the couple to be in attendance at church services here or where they reside prior to marriage and that the ceremony will take place in the church.
Jim Pachter Photography
Instruction
In the Episcopal Church the priest is required to instruct a couple
prior to marriage. The Rector usually needs three separate sessions to
accomplish this. If there are not many details or questions about the
wedding itself, the initial meeting may include session one. Also the
final session may immediately precede the wedding rehearsal and thereby
reduce the number of separate meetings.
A time to stop and honor one another
The Rector will not normally marry a couple who do not plan a honeymoon
to follow the wedding. If you can't take the time to celebrate one another
and the significance of your marriage, then wait until you can.
License
Your Marriage License is obtained from City Hall or any
clerk in the State of New York. It is recommended that the license be
obtained, then brought to the church office for us to keep until your
wedding day. You cannot be married until 24 hours after you apply for
the license so the best policy is to obtain the license earlier rather
than later. It is valid for 60 days after you apply.
Remembering Bethesda on your Anniversary wherever you may be,
would keep us spiritually connected as your life progresses. We would
love to hear from you.
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