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Weddings
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The Episcopal Church in the United States and St. Paul's Church supports equal marriage for all.
What is marriage in the Episcopal Church?
Marriage is the sacramental rite of the church 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" (BCP, p. 861). At the Declaration of Consent, both persons promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep their spouse, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to their spouse as long as they both live (BCP, p. 424).
The congregation witnesses the couple's promises, and the members of the congregation promise to do all in their power to uphold the couple in their marriage. At the Marriage, the couple may pledge their lives to each other by the giving and receiving of rings as symbols of their vows. When desired, other appropriate symbols of their vows may be used instead of rings. In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of the church.
How do I get married at St. Paul's?
You are asked to call the parish office (218-724-3535) to discuss your marriage.
How do I become a member?
- Transfer from another parish (paperwork).
- Begin attending Sunday worship here (at least two times per month) with the intention of making St. Paul’s your church home.
This membership policy does not apply to weddings conducted “offsite” (like at Gooseberry Falls or the Rose Garden). Those requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
What if one or both of us have been divorced?
In the Episcopal Church, being previously married does not exclude you from the possibility of being married again. It is required by church and civil law that divorce paperwork is final.
What if we are a same-sex couple?
In the Episcopal Church, are you free to marry. You will be treated as any other couple seeking God’s blessing on their lifelong commitment. We are proud to support equal marriage.
What will our service be like?
The Episcopal Church is blessed with a beautiful marriage service in our Book of Common Prayer. The clergy will assist you in crafting a service that is meaningful to you; contact the parish office to connect with the clergy.
The congregation witnesses the couple's promises, and the members of the congregation promise to do all in their power to uphold the couple in their marriage. At the Marriage, the couple may pledge their lives to each other by the giving and receiving of rings as symbols of their vows. When desired, other appropriate symbols of their vows may be used instead of rings. In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of the church.
How do I get married at St. Paul's?
You are asked to call the parish office (218-724-3535) to discuss your marriage.
How do I become a member?
- Transfer from another parish (paperwork).
- Begin attending Sunday worship here (at least two times per month) with the intention of making St. Paul’s your church home.
This membership policy does not apply to weddings conducted “offsite” (like at Gooseberry Falls or the Rose Garden). Those requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
What if one or both of us have been divorced?
In the Episcopal Church, being previously married does not exclude you from the possibility of being married again. It is required by church and civil law that divorce paperwork is final.
What if we are a same-sex couple?
In the Episcopal Church, are you free to marry. You will be treated as any other couple seeking God’s blessing on their lifelong commitment. We are proud to support equal marriage.
What will our service be like?
The Episcopal Church is blessed with a beautiful marriage service in our Book of Common Prayer. The clergy will assist you in crafting a service that is meaningful to you; contact the parish office to connect with the clergy.
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