Planning Your Holy Union

It is perhaps best described as a covenant between two people to love one another, care for one another and be committed to one another. It is a mutual agreement, stated in specific terms and confirmed by the oath of both parties. It is God who will be witness to the covenant.

The marriages performed at MCC Austin are Christian rites. As a Christian rite, marriage commonly involves and utilizes Christian symbols, acts and rituals. The ceremony itself is a spiritual event, not a civic event, however this is your day and we want to make it unique to your needs and your union.

At this time, in the state of Texas, the legal protections of a marriage are limited to couples of different genders. Persons who desire a wedding and legal protection for their union, but do not meet the statutory requirements for marriage, should consult a duly licensed attorney to obtain such protection through contractual agreements.

Participants may request the specific clergyperson they desire to officiate. The clergyperson may accept the request or refer to another clergy, as appropriate for time and other considerations. The officiating clergy will most often be an ordained/licensed clergy person, though we also allow commissioned Deacons to officiate.

Each couple requesting the Rite of Marriage will receive a packet of information from the church office. These packets include:

· Planning Your Marriage Service

· Two Application for Rite of Marriage forms

· Building Rental Agreement and Fee Schedule

· Building Use Policies

A certificate celebrating your marriage will be presented to you following your ceremony. All churches in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches worldwide will recognize your marriage.

Please remember that participants are responsible for all arrangements for their marriage service.

· A Wedding Planning meeting with the clergyperson you want to officiate

· Clearing the date of your service first with officiating clergy.

· Reserve the sanctuary (if needed) or any additional MCCA space through the church office.

· Arrangements with florists, caterers, photographers, etc. as desired are to be conducted with those businesses. Please inform the church of any deliveries. The photographer will need to speak with whoever is performing your ceremony to make certain that photography doesn’t interfere with the sacred nature of the service.

· Candles may not be placed on any church furnishing except the altar. Candelabra are to be placed on drip cloths. Only drip less candles may be used.

· MCC Austin has many talented musicians and pianists. Requests and arrangements must be made separately with them and they will handle their own fees. Please ask us for referrals.