Weddings at Trinity

Marriage in the Church is a Sacrament – that is, the ceremony is an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace. The wedding ceremony, or Holy Matrimony, is Christian marriage, in which two persons enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.

Who may be married at Trinity?

Members of the Parish in good standing may, of course, be married at Trinity. Couples who are not members of the Parish are also welcome to be married in the church. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties be baptized.

May a divorced person be married at Trinity?

The policies of the Episcopal Church allow for the marriage of a divorced person with the consent of the diocesan bishop. As part of the preparation for marriage, the priest will inquire about previous marriages and the circumstances that led to divorce. If the priest is satisfied that the issues that resulted in the failure of a previous marriage do not constitute an impediment to another marriage, they will request permission from the diocesan bishop to Consent for Re-marriage.

May a same-gender couple be married at Trinity?

Yes, same-gender couples may be married at Trinity and should follow all the same steps listed on this page.

May we get married in the church when we’ve already been married in the presence of a civil authority?

Yes, the Book of Common Prayer provides an order for a blessing in the church; this includes the exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of rings.

What does the planning process look like?

What are the requirements?

Trinity staff do not engage with wedding planners or other representatives of the couple.

• At least six months advance notice is required. If either party was previously married and divorced, and the former spouse is not deceased, eight months advance notice is required to allow time for the Consent for Re-marriage process.
• There must be two witnesses to attest to the marriage.
• At least one party of the marriage must be a baptized Christian.
• The couple will engage in premarital preparation with a priest. Normally, three hours of preparation is required.

How is the wedding planned out?
Couples may be married at either Trinity Church or the Chapel of All Saints.

• The dates designated for weddings at Trinity Parish are sent to the couple once they fill out the Wedding Inquiry Form on this page.
• The preferred date will be confirmed upon receipt of a security deposit.
• After the date is scheduled, a priest will work directly with the couple to plan the ceremony.

What does the wedding at Trinity look like?

Wedding ceremonies at Trinity must conform to the regular pattern of the church’s worship as laid out in the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and its supplements. The structure of the marriage rite allows for some variation, which must all be discussed with the priest officiating the ceremony.
The priest is required to use the vows as they are set out in the Prayer Book and does not have discretion to allow the couple to write their own vows. The priest will work with the couple to help select readings and make other choices about the service.

Can we have the Celebration of Holy Eucharist at our wedding?
Yes, the format of the marriage rite that includes the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is known as the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage. The rite without Eucharist is called an Order for Marriage, which is a shorter, simpler service.

Both include procession, readings, prayers, a homily, the exchange of vows and rings, and a blessing of the marriage. Either is appropriate and may be discussed with the priest. All baptized people, regardless of Christian denomination, are welcome to partake in Holy Communion at Trinity.

Can other clergy assist in the ceremony?
Clergy from other Episcopal churches, denominations, or faiths may assist with approval from the Vicar. Only Trinity clergy are permitted to preside over the service, and officiate the exchange of vows and the marriage blessing.
 
Other Details:

MUSIC
Couples may choose from the recommended list; other selections require approval. Music for a wedding reflects and enriches the sacred nature of the ceremony; therefore, popular songs and show tunes are not appropriate for the liturgy. One of the Parish organists will be assigned to your wedding, included in the flat fee; additional musicians/vocalists are available for a fee ($350 each). Guest musicians, including friends or family, are subject to approval by Trinity Church, and professional materials from musicians such as biography and/or a demo recording may be requested for approval.

FLOWER AND DECORATION
Trinity Church has a floral arrangement made for every Sunday that must remain in place and cannot be altered. Color consideration may be requested for the Sunday arrangement (but is not guaranteed); any additional floral arrangements must be made through Trinity’s florist. For safety and sanitation reasons: aisle runners, rice, confetti, or rose petals are not permitted. Unity Candles are not a part of the Episcopal marriage rite. Outside food and drink are not permitted.

PHOTO AND VIDEO
Photographers may be hired by the couple, pending their signature of our photography agreement. Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony, and posed photos are allowed before or after the ceremony.
Outside videographers are not allowed. Trinity provides its own videography, with livestream and recording, available for a fee ($1800); a private link will be provided.

Does the couple have to provide their own marriage license?
Yes, and the marriage license must be brought to the rehearsal of the ceremony. Both parties must appear together at any office of a city clerk in New York state. In Manhattan, the Marriage License Bureau is in the Office of the City Clerk, 141 Worth Street, near City Hall. The website for applications and appointments is: cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-license.

What are the wedding fees?

• Flat fee: $5,000.
•  Security Deposit: $1,000.
• Total: $6,000.

To reserve the date, the security deposit must be paid. Half of the flat fee must be paid after signing the Wedding Services Agreement. The security deposit is refundable but may be forfeited under certain conditions as defined in the Wedding Services Agreement. Your final payment is due one month prior to your wedding.