Weddings
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. The union of two persons in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
– Book of Common Prayer 1979
In this spirit, the Cathedral and the Harris Memorial Chapel are available for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
For members of Christ Church and their families
Persons meeting these criteria should schedule a meeting with one of the Cathedral Clergy to discuss policies and procedures with regard to scheduling a wedding.
For members of the diocese, who are not members of Christ Church
Episcopalians in the Diocese of Louisiana who are not members of the Cathedral should have their Rector, Vicar or priest-in-Charge write a letter to the Dean requesting that the Cathedral celebrate their marriage.
For other Episcopalians
On occasion, it is possible to schedule weddings for Episcopalians outside of the diocese of Louisiana who are active in their home parishes. To request that this take place, the potential candidates should ask their Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge write a letter to the Dean requesting that the Cathedral celebrate the marriage.
Once this letter has been received a Cathedral staff person will contact the potential bride or groom to schedule an initial appointment in order to discuss a Cathedral Wedding.
For other baptized Christians
Contact the church office to schedule an initial appointment to discuss a Cathedral wedding. We cannot schedule a wedding at the Cathedral until this initial meeting has taken place. Address inquiries or questions to Canon Steven Roberts.