Weddings
Weddings in the Episcopal Church
Like all sacraments in the Episcopal Church, marriage is an outward symbol and marking of the inward grace God has bestowed by bringing two people together for their benefit, the benefit of their family (including, sometimes, their children), the benefit of their church and community, and the benefit of the world. While the ritual centers on the two individuals being wed, the sacrament firmly roots their relationship in God and the gathered community, knowing that lifelong relationships cannot succeed in a vacuum. Like baptism, the Sacrament of Marriage consists of a series of promises, or vows, followed by the priest’s prayers and blessings. The couple promises, in traditional vows recited by generations of couples, to love one another, provide for each other in body and spirit, and remain faithful as long as both couples shall live. The congregation, too, makes vows to help, encourage, and affirm the couple’s union. The priest then asks for God’s blessing and wraps the couple’s joined hands in a stole. This part of the service marks the Church’s commitment to help the couple in their lifelong commitment and the couple’s dependence on the grace of God for their relationship’s success.
Weddings at Little Fork
Little Fork is a beautiful place to get married. Not only are you surrounded by farmland and cherry trees, it is one of the few colonial churches in the area with AC and heating. While society may put too much emphasis on the trappings of weddings, church reminds us that the wedding is the beginning of the marriage and how we spend that day can set a foundation for the rest of the relationship. At Little Fork marriage is understood to be the spiritual union of two adults who commit to witness and share their lives together and be their best selves. All people who seek a spiritual wedding and understand that God’s grace that can be experienced through the marriage commitment are invited and welcomed to get married at Little Fork. In the Episcopal Church, marriage preparation is expected and can be done with a priest or counselor.
