Baptism and Marriage
The Wedding Policy of the Alaska Moravian Church
By Pastor Nicholson
Nov 13, 2003, 19:02

The Wedding Policy of the Alaska Moravian Church

1. A CHRISTIAN WEDDING: A Christian wedding is one in which both the bride and groom are believers in Jesus Christ and are active in the fellowship of His Church. It is fitting for such a wedding to be held in the church building because it is a worship service, a time of commitment to a God-centered marriage, and the beginning of a permanent Christian home which can expect the blessing of God. "It is therefore a duty and a privilege among all members of the Church to uphold the highest ideals of Christian marriage and family life, and to avoid anything that would bring dishonor upon it." (Unity Synod Book of Order 656)
2. A CIVIL WEDDING: If both partners are not actively open to and seeking Christ’s lordship in their lives and marriage, the wedding ceremony is most appropriately conducted by civil authorities. The State of Alaska provides, in such cases, a wedding service which meets its full legal requirements. The local magistrate or judge has the authority to officiate at a wedding or virtually any person of your choosing can perform the wedding ceremony as a specially designated "magistrate for the day."
3. PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING: Specific training preparing a couple for marriage is clearly a part of both cultural and church traditions. The engaged couple will contact the pastor for four counseling appointments at least two months in advance. At the first session the couple will agree to the terms of the WEDDING POLICY. Every effort will be made to include parents and grandparents in at least one session. At the end of these sessions, the pastor will determine if he agrees to perform the wedding. A certificate of completion of the counseling sessions will then be submitted to the Board of Elders for review and approval of the wedding.
4. OFFICIATING MINISTER (S): Weddings of members of this congregation will normally be conducted by its installed pastor. The Elders may approve the participation of a properly licensed or ordained minister from another Christian congregation when either bride or groom is a member of another congregation or denomination.
5. CONDUCT: No smoking or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the church. The wedding will immediately be cancelled if bride, groom, or witnesses are under ANY influence of alcohol or drugs at the rehearsal or wedding. No picture taking will be allowed during the service as it distracts from the intent of a church wedding. Pictures may be taken before or after the service.

We have decided to have a:

___CHRISTIAN WEDDING, and agree to abide by this policy.

___CIVIL WEDDING.

BRIDE ________________________ Date ___________

GROOM ______________________ Date ____________ PASTOR ________________