St. Mark's Lutheran Church
628 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park, PA  19078

Marriage (Church Weddings)

Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God at the very beginning of creation for their mutual companionship and for procreation (Gen 1:27-28, Gen 2:20-24). Our Lord Jesus said that what God has joined together in marriage, man ought not to separate (Matt 19:6). Therefore marriage ought not to be entered into lightly.

Dr. C.F.W. Walther taught that “It is a wicked error that the [marriage bond] arises only through the church wedding or even only through physical intercourse.” Pr. Paul Gerhard also believed that “The pastoral blessing of newly married people is not required for the essence of the matter, namely of marriage, but for the public witnessing of the same…” (Walther, p.161).

The theological faculty of Leipzig gave the following recommendation on the matter of marrying two people from differing Christian churches or faiths: “It is by no means to be advised…since marriages with persons who are devoted to false doctrine and religion never turn out well as a rule but bring with them a great deal of trouble” (Walther, p.165).

Guided by Holy Scripture, the confessions of the Lutheran Church, and sound Lutheran teaching, we believe the following with regards to the Rite of Marriage:

I. Weddings involving a man and a woman where one or both are communicant members of the Missouri Synod shall be welcomed. It is expected that the couple shall meet for a minimum of five pre-marital counseling sessions with the pastor.
 

II. In order that nothing be done in the service that would contradict or bring into question the church’s confession of the Christian faith,
a. the service and music will be chosen in consultation with, and with the approval of, the pastor and the congregation’s music director.
b. only Missouri Synod clergy will officiate at the wedding ceremony.
 

III. Weddings shall not be performed for a man and a woman where neither are, or are in the process of becoming, communicant members of the Missouri Synod. Such couples will be encouraged to confirm their vows in their own congregation or before a civic official.
 

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