Marriage is a sacramental rite of the church. A couple desiring to solemnize their marriage in the church must seek an understanding of Christian marriage and intend to be active members of a Christian congregation. For those who do not intend to live out their lives in a Christian community, we strongly encourage consideration of a civil ceremony.

Bruton Parish Church requires that a preapplication be completed and that certain guidelines be fulfilled before a date is scheduled on the calendar. If you are planning to be married, please contact the Parish Office to have a preapplication sent to you at least six months ahead of your intended date, preferably earlier.

A number of restrictions apply to weddings at Bruton, including but not limited to:

1. At least one of the persons being married must be baptized and an Episcopalian.

2 Weddings are celebrated in the Church only for persons who have been active, pledging members of Bruton Parish for at least a year before the request to be married, or for the sons or daughters of such active, pledging members. An “active, pledging member” is defined as a person whose membership in the parish is officially recorded, whether by transfer, baptism, or confirmation/reception; who attends worship regularly unless prevented by health; who participates in some parish activity (education, lay ministry, outreach, or other volunteer positions); and who is a giver of record.

The couple must undergo premarital counseling in two modes: first, meet several times with one of the Bruton clergy, or another counselor approved by Bruton clergy; and second, attend a day-long premarital seminar conducted by the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care.

For more information or to apply, please email the Parish Life Coordinator.