Holy Unions and Weddings

What is a Holy Union?

Holy Unions and weddings are the spiritual joining of two lives.  It is a companionship that involves shared commitment and responsibility.  A Holy Union or marriage is a way of calling God’s blessing upon the joining of your lives and souls in a covenanted relationship. 

Because marriage for same-gender couples is not legal in the state of Ohio, a Holy Union may be performed by Eternal Joy for same-gender couples who wish to have their relationship declared sacred by God.  It is not a legally binding ceremony, but we strongly believe that God is present in the commitment ceremony and blesses the relationship of couples who are committed to each other.

Who may perform Holy Unions or weddings?

A Holy Union or marriage is a rite of the church.  Holy Unions and marriages must be performed by one who has been properly authorized.  The clergy of Eternal Joy MCC, having been duly ordained by the Metropolitan Community Churches, is authorized to perform Holy Unions and weddings.

What do we need to do in order to have a ceremony?

Eternal Joy MCC requires that the couple requesting a Holy Union or marriage must have been in a committed relationship and living together for at least one year before requesting the ceremony.   Although you are not required to be a member of Eternal joy in order to have your Holy Union performed by our clergy, we strongly believe that a community of faith is an excellent source of support and inspiration for your life’s journey.  We therefore encourage you to attend worship at Eternal joy and participate in any of the church’s activities you would like. 

What else should we know?

Eternal Joy MCC takes Holy Unions and weddings very seriously.  Therefore, you will be expected to attend at least two pre-ceremony sessions with the clergy officiating to discuss the ceremony. 

It should not be assumed that Eternal joy clergy will perform a ceremony, or that the date requested is available, until the clergy has agreed and building use and availability have been confirmed. 

Any previous marriage or Holy Union must have been dissolved prior to beginning plans for your current ceremony; this includes a legal divorce for any partner that has been previously legally married.

A rehearsal is required before the ceremony.  Generally, this will be held the evening before the ceremony.  The officiating clergy will conduct the rehearsal.  All persons involved in the ceremony (witnesses, attendants, ushers, musicians, etc.) must attend the rehearsal. 

Eternal Joy MCC may be able to arrange for musicians for your ceremony.  Any fees for this must be agreed upon in advance by those involved.  Before the ceremony can take place, the couple and officiating clergy must agree on the policy for use of the sanctuary and/or social hall. 

Other guidelines and tips for planning and ensuring a successful ceremony will be discussed in the pre-ceremony sessions and in the time before the ceremony is performed. 

How do we plan the ceremony?

In a Holy Union there is room to creatively include rituals, music, people, words and symbols that are meaningful to you.  The officiating clergy will work very closely with you and guide you to plan an inspiring and meaningful ceremony that honors your relationship with dignity and integrity.

Are there fees associated with Holy Unions and Weddings?

Officiating Clergy:  $100.  This includes pre-ceremony sessions, rehearsal, ceremony, and any additional planning required.  If the ceremony is performed at a location other than the church, an additional fee for mileage may be charged. 

Musicians:  As arranged with couple.

Building Use:  $50 deposit plus $150.  This includes the rehearsal, ceremony and reception.  Your deposit will be refunded to you after your ceremony if you have cleaned the building properly and there is no damage to the building or its contents.

Note:  Some fees may be waived or reduced for members of the church.  Deposits are due at the time the ceremony is booked.  Other fees may be paid at any time before the ceremony is performed.