The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

Weddings at St. Nectarios

Congratulations on your engagement! We look forward to helping you prepare for the sacred and joyful beginning of your married life in Christ.

In the Orthodox Church, marriage is a Sacrament through which a man and woman are united in a life of love, faithfulness, sacrifice and growth toward God. Rather than exchanging personal vows, the couple is joined through the prayers and sacred actions of the Church.

Please contact the Parish Office before confirming a date, printing invitations or making nonrefundable arrangements.

A wedding at St. Nectarios

The Orthodox Marriage Service

The Betrothal and the Crowning are rich with prayer, Scripture and symbolism.

The Rings

Blessed and exchanged three times during the Service of Betrothal: a sign of commitment and faithfulness.

The Crowning

The couple is crowned with the stefana: the joy, honor and self-sacrificing love of a Christian home.

The Common Cup

Sharing one cup shows the joys, burdens and blessings the couple will now share.

Scripture

The readings recall Christ’s presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

Joining of Hands

The priest joins the couple’s hands as God unites them in marriage.

Dance of Isaiah

The priest leads the couple three times around the table: their first steps as husband and wife, with Christ at the center.

The church aisle with red carpet and chandelier, ready for a wedding

Preparing for the Sacrament

A wedding date is final only once the parish priest approves it.

  • Contact the parish to discuss dates and your circumstances.
  • Meet with the priest for at least three premarital meetings.
  • Complete the paperwork: a civil marriage license and ecclesiastical authorization through the Metropolis.
  • Confirm arrangements for the sponsor, music, photography, flowers and any guest clergy.

General Requirements

The priest will confirm what applies to you. This overview is for planning.

Licenses

A valid civil marriage license and ecclesiastical authorization through the Metropolis are required.

Canonical Eligibility

No legal or canonical impediment may exist. Prior marriages or divorces must be fully disclosed; an ecclesiastical divorce may be required.

Inter-Christian Marriage

A non-Orthodox partner must be a Christian baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity. The couple should be willing to baptize and raise their children in the Orthodox faith.

The Koumbaros or Koumbara

The sponsor must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with a canonical parish, and, if married, married in the Orthodox Church. Other friends may stand in the wedding party.

What to Bring

Wedding rings, a set of stefana (wedding crowns) and two white wedding candles. The office will explain when to bring them.

Music, Photos and Flowers

Music must be approved by the priest. Photographers should speak with the priest before the service. Decorations should respect the sacred space.

When Weddings Are Not Celebrated

Because of fasting seasons and major feasts, weddings are not ordinarily celebrated on:

  • January 5 and 6
  • Great Lent and Holy Week
  • Holy Pascha and Pentecost
  • August 1–15
  • August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist)
  • September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
  • December 13–25
  • The day before major feasts and Holy Days of our Lord

Lent, Pascha and Pentecost move each year, so please confirm any date with the office. Only the Metropolitan may grant an exception.

An Orthodox wedding ceremony

Ready to Begin?

Contact the Parish Office before choosing a final date. May God bless your engagement as you prepare for Holy Matrimony.