Marriage

The Rite of Marriage in the Church at Immanuel Lutheran is intended for the lifelong union of one man and one woman who desire to begin and sustain their life together under the word of God and in the Lutheran church. Both parties should, therefore, be baptized. 

In marriage a man and woman leave their parental homes and establish a new home together. Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife, and the two become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This leaving honors the parents, and under normal circumstances, both families will be present at the wedding, giving their joyful consent. 

The wedding ceremony symbolizes that marriage is not created by the will of the couple alone. In the processional, the readings, the wording of the marriage vows, a possible candle ceremony and the prayers, God gives the woman to the man and the man to the woman, to live together as husband and wife in the fellowship of Christ’s body, the church. 

It is expected that the newly married couple will desire to gather regularly with God’s people on the Lord’s day to worship. Thereby, after the pattern of Genesis 1, their work and rest become a holy offering to God, filled with his presence, hope and love.

FIRST STEPS IN PLANNING A WEDDING AT IMMANUEL

An initial visit with one of Immanuel’s pastors begins the application process. This meeting should be arranged early so that marriage counseling and other planning may begin in a timely manner. As early as possible the couple should reserve the date, time and place of the wedding through the church office. Weddings are not conducted on Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Eve or Day, Holy Week and Easter. They are discouraged during the season of Lent.

Please contact one of the pastors to start your process:

sbongard@immanuelvalpo.org
afields@immanuelvalpo.org 
sdriver@immanuelvalpo.org

marriage at immanuel

Immanuel Lutheran is a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri-
Synod, here’s what we believe about marriage.