“The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people” (Book of Common Prayer [BCP], 423).
A Christian marriage is an unique and special relationship, and a wedding day is a joyful occasion for both the couple getting married and the priest who presides. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the people must 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 this Church.
Saint Philip’s is happy to celebrate and solemnize the marriages of same-gender couples, using rites authorized by the Church’s General Convention 2015, as approved by the Bishop of Arizona, and in accordance with Arizona law.
The Episcopal Church also welcomes couples or individuals who are divorced, and we are happy to discuss the process for that in greater detail.
Premarital counseling with a member of the clergy is a canonical requirement for all couples.
If you would like to explore reserving a date and time, and learn more, please email Kiki Cheney (kiki.cheney@stphilipstucson.org).
Please note that weddings on church grounds must conform to the liturgy and Canons of The Episcopal Church. Saint Philip’s cannot rent the sanctuary or other church reception rooms for secular weddings. Weddings must also be officiated by Saint Philip’s clergy or another Episcopal priest or deacon in good standing with approval of the Rector. Ministers of other Christian denominations may be invited to preach or assist in consultation with the parish clergy.