Weddings
The clergy and other staff at St. Paul in the Desert delight in assisting couples as they solemnize their mutual love and commitment in marriage. We take our role seriously and can offer significant assistance in making the ceremony beautiful, and in getting the marriage off to a good start. We believe that in attending to the preparation for marriage, we are best able to create the best circumstances for the wedding.
Same-gender couples are welcome to have their committed relationship blessed in the church under the same conditions as marriage.
As a result of this perspective we restrict the weddings that may be celebrated at St. Paul in the Desert to those who have a connection through membership or family to our parish or to those who are members of another faith community who, for good reason, desire to have their wedding in our church. If you are not already a part of a faith community, we invite you to worship with us. It is our hope that you will find our congregation a suitable place to be spiritually nourished. The best place to start the process of wedding planning is at a regular worship service.
Anyone who desires to be married here needs to participate in a couple oriented program of preparation. This would involve approximately 5 sessions with one of the clergy or a counselor designated by the rector (the Senior Pastor).
Generally, we need 3 months notice to schedule a wedding. If either the bride or groom has been previously divorced, marriage through St. Paul in the Desert will require the additional step of receiving the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. If you have questions about your situation, they can usually be answered in your first meeting with the rector.
All couples will be asked to write a brief statement of the significance of having their marriage/blessing in the church. This statement will be shared with the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego
Some general considerations about the use of our church for your wedding:Weddings will be conducted according to the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church or similar resource determined by the rector.
The wedding is a religious ceremony we require couples to observe guidelines on music, flowers, photography, and decoration which are designed to enhance it’s significance.
The specifics will be available following the initial visit with the rector. You may use the contact form below, or call the Parish Office (760) 320-7488 for more information.
