Weddings

What is the significance of a wedding?

“Marriage is a gift of God, intended for the joy and mutual strength of those who enter it and for the well-being of the whole human family…. Marriage is also a human estate,, with vows publicly witnessed.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 286).

Marriage is an institution of both God and the State. When a couple chooses to take marital vows within Christian worship, they are choosing to enter into covenant not only with each other, but also with God. Those who gather with the couple at a wedding do so to serve as witnesses to the covenantal vows. The congregation gathered at a wedding also agrees to support the couple throughout the course of their marriage, to help them in keeping their vows to God and to each other, and to celebrate the milestones of their relationships.

Who may be married at St. Martin’s?

Couples of all kinds are welcome to be married at St. Martin’s, although members and direct relatives of members will receive a discount on fees.

Do you have any requirements for marriage at St. Martin’s?

Our pastor requires that all couples go through premarital counseling as part of the wedding planning process. A wedding is one day, but marriage lasts a lifetime. It is important to talk with your partner openly before marriage about how you will communicate with each other and what your expectations of marriage are. Pastor Maggie is a certified Prepare Enrich facilitator and will guide couples through the program as part of the wedding planning process. Typically, this involves an online test taken separately by each member of the couple and one to two in-person sessions, one hour to two hours each. The costs for Prepare Enrich are factored into our fees.

Can I hold my reception at your facility?

Yes, our fellowship hall is available to rent for your reception at an additional cost. Please contact our office for more information.

Can you officiate my off-site wedding?

Yes, although the couple will be asked to pay for mileage to and from St. Martin’s. You may also be asked to provide the cost of lodging, depending on distance.

What do I need to do to start planning a wedding at St. Martin’s?

Simply contact the church office to get started! it is important that if you wish to have your wedding at St. Martin's, you must be sure to contact us before you arrange a place of reception or set the date. We cannot guarantee availability if you do not contact us first as the date and time you have in mind may not be available. We will work with any timeline, but at least three months notice is preferred to allow time for planning and premarital counseling.