Trinity Church

Planning a wedding is a joyful undertaking, and we are delighted that you are interested in being married in Trinity Church. The Church takes marriage very seriously. The Book of Common Prayer says:

“Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 861)

At Trinity Church all weddings are done according to the rite prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) and are performed by Canon Gerns, occasionally assisted by another member of the clergy (Episcopal, or of another denomination or faith), at the Rector’s discretion.

It is not necessary to be an Episcopalian to be married at Trinity Church, but at least one of the persons must be a baptized Christian.

Because Christian marriage is best expressed in the context of Christian community, we strongly encourage all engaged couples to be part of Trinity Church before preparation begins or, if they plan to live out of the area,  a Christian congregation near them.

Episcopal canon law requires a minimum of thirty days between the official declaration to the Church of intent to marry and the wedding, but at Trinity require we a minimum of 90 days notice, especially if one or both of the persons is divorced.

The marriage begins with the wedding

Premarital preparation is required of all couples married at Trinity Church. The goal is to help the couple prepare for the vocation of marriage with joy and confidence.

Preparation consists of:

• • Time with Fr. Gerns, teaching about Christian marriage using the Prayer Book and other  supporting material
  • A guided discussion with the engaged couple, a married couple from the parish and the rector. This is a free-flowing and lively conversation about issues that impact every married couple  such as communication, time management, cultivating a healthy relationship, child-rearing (and/or managing a blended family), finances, employment, and more.
  • The couple may also be referred to another person for help on financial planning and decision-making.
  • A discussion of the beliefs of each member of the couple and the spiritual lives of the couple. This may take place in the group discussion, with the Rector or with a spiritual director.

When one or both of the couple has been previously married and divorced, then the clergy must obtain the permission of the Bishop of Bethlehem in order to perform the marriage. The preparation process is largely the same.

If the couple do not both reside in the Easton area, preparation can be arranged elsewhere preferably at an Episcopal Church near to where the couple is living.

The wedding is worship.

It is tempting to think of the wedding as an “event” where the focus is on the couple’s “special day;” but in fact, the wedding is a worship service where the emphasis is on the couple offering themselves, their marriage and their lives together to God. There are many accepted rituals that are associated with weddings, some are best done in church and some are best left to the reception.

At the wedding, the couple will make promises before God and the Community about their relationship. They will also state publicly some things about their beliefs, their hopes and their dreams for each other. So it is a service rich with symbols and steeped in prayer.

Holy Eucharist is a normally apart of the liturgy of Holy Matrimony unless for pastoral reasons this is not possible.

Typically a “marriage candle” or “unity candle” is not used at Trinity Church, since the exchange of solemn vows, the holding of hands,  and the giving and receiving of rings (BCP p. 428)–often followed by Holy Communion– are sufficient symbols of unity expressed in the marriage covenant.

Music, Flowers and Photos

Music for the service is chosen by the couple in consultation with the Director of Music, who will normally play for all weddings and will arrange for soloists and instrumentalists as desired. Any unusual musical requests must be submitted to the Rector through the Director of Music for approval. Non-sacred music should be reserved for the wedding reception.

The couple must meet with the Director of Music to go over all music at least 45 days prior to the rehearsal.

The Altar Guild must approve all decorations, including flowers. Florists must speak to the Director of the Altar Guild for size and to  arrange delivery and set up. Altar Guild members are happy to consult with the bride and/or florist about what is appropriate and permitted.

Still photography and video are permitted with certain important restrictions. All photographers (and videographers) must speak the officiating clergy 10-14 days before the rehearsal and are expected to attend the rehearsal. This is so that the photographer(s) may understand the space, the liturgy and where people are located throughout the liturgy.

Flash photography, whether by the professional photographer or wedding guests, is not permitted during the service. With clergy approval, a stationary video camera (but no special lighting) may be used.

We encourage guests and members of wedding party to refrain from using even non-flash photography during the wedding itself so that they may fully participate in the liturgy. They may take pictures after the wedding in the sanctuary if the wedding party gathers for photos. The clergy are happy to cooperate in re-staging any part afterward for additional photographs.

The use of confetti, rice or birdseed is prohibited in the church or on the grounds, as is the release of balloons. We do not encourage the use of a runner. Aisle candles may be used except in weddings in the summer and are arranged through the Altar Guild.

Other Details

Conine Hall may be used for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception for groups up to 65-70 depending on seating. Arrangements should be made at the time the wedding and rehearsal dates are placed on the church calendar.

The rehearsal is usually held on the evening before the wedding, although it can be scheduled at a different time if necessary. The couple is responsible for obtaining their marriage license from the Northampton County courthouse, which is to be brought to the Parish Office during regular business hours no later than ten days before the rehearsal. Fees (which can be dated for the day of the wedding) are to be brought to the office when the license is brought in.

A program for the wedding service, similar to those used at other services at Trinity Church, is normally produced by the church office. The rector will provide the couple with a sample of what should be included if they wish to produce a more elaborate “souvenir” program on their own.

Parking is limited in downtown Easton. We reserve the seven spaces on Spring Garden Street directly in front of the church for the wedding party for both the rehearsal and the wedding itself. We have a parking lot directly behind the church on  Sitgreaves Alley and at certain times other nearby parking is available.  Please work with the rector and the administrator on arranging parking.

A list of fees may be obtained from the parish office when the couple meets the rector the first time. Speak to the rector or administrator about fees for visitor and those for active members (those whose baptisms are recorded in the parish, who attend worship at least three times a year in the church, and contribute the regular ministry of the parish) and their children.

No weddings are held during the penitential season of Lent.

Trinity Church is a busy downtown parish, and a wedding effectively precludes the use of the church and parish house (even if the reception is held elsewhere) for any other purpose for at least half a day. It requires many hours of “behind the scenes” preparation by clergy, organist, Altar Guild, office staff, and sexton, beyond their usual responsibilities. Every effort is made to accommodate the needs of the wedding party. In return, we expect that time commitments will be honored and that church staff, volunteers and property will be treated with respect.