When one of the pastors of St. Mark's officiates at the marriage of a man and a woman, the ceremony is a legal contract bestowing certain rights and obligations.  A couple must obtain a marriage license to be signed, witnessed, and filed with the county after the ceremony.  The law requires the couple to meet certain qualifications - for example, they must be of legal age, and must be divorced if previously married.  We believe that same-sex couples should be similarly qualified as to age and status.  Previous committed relationships should have been terminated for a reasonable period of time. 

Because St. Mark's is a church, a wedding or a holy union solemnized by one of its pastors, in the church building, or elsewhere, is more than a civil ceremony; it is a part of the public ministry of the congregation.  The scripture readings and prayers of the rite presume that those being united sincerely seek God's blessing on their life together.  For this reason we ask those who come to St. Mark's for their wedding or holy union to meet with the pastor before the ceremony, usually in several sessions, so that he or she may counsel them in any personal, family, spiritual, or community issues that may be involved in their commitment.  In these meetings the pastor will also explain the significance of asking God's blessing on their union and the strength and support that is available to them in this community of faith.

The pastors and people of St. Mark's welcome the opportunity to serve couples as they plan their life together, and the ceremony that symbolizes their commitment.  We offer our ministry to them, and to the children they nurture through the years, as long as they live, and will remember them in our prayers as we worship together each Sunday morning. 

Officiating the Ceremony

St. Mark's clergy will under normal circumstances officiate.  Clergy of other Lutheran congregations may request to officiate here by letter to the co-pastors.  Clergy of other denominations may assist the St. Mark's clergy.