Wedding Information and Guidelines

At St. Gregory the Illuminator, we are honored to help couples begin their journey together in the sacred bond of Holy Matrimony. Below you will find important guidelines and information to ensure a smooth and meaningful wedding experience in accordance with the traditions of the Armenian Church.

Scheduling Your Wedding

To reserve your wedding date, please contact our church office at 215-482-9200 as soon as possible. We recommend having an alternate date in mind in case of scheduling conflicts, although it may be possible to adjust the time of other events to accommodate both parties.

Please note: Wedding ceremonies must be held inside the church; outdoor weddings are not permitted.

Required Steps Before the Wedding

• Marriage Request Form: Please complete and submit the Matrimony Ceremony Request Form promptly to begin the process.
• Pre-marital Counseling: Approximately two weeks before your wedding date, you will meet with the Parish Priest for pre-marital counseling (two virtual or in-person sessions). To schedule your appointment, contact the Pastor at pastor@stgregoryphilly.org. Any uncertainties in the questionnaire will be addressed during these sessions.
• Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license from the County Court of your residence and provide it to the Pastor on the rehearsal day, or drop it off at the Church office during the week of the ceremony. Without this license, the sacrament cannot be performed. The license will be filled out and returned to you as soon as possible.

Eligibility and Role of the Best Man

• The best man preferably must be a member of the Armenian Church. If not Armenian, he must be baptized and confirmed by Holy Oil. If the best man is baptized in a Protestant Church, then confirmation by Holy Muron should be confirmed in the Armenian Church. Please note that non-Christians cannot serve as best man.

Fees and Payment

All fees should be paid no later than one week before the wedding ceremony at the Church office.

Photography and Videography

Photographers and videographers are welcome to capture your ceremony, but they must be respectful of the sanctity of the service and the House of God. They should avoid obstructing the priest or any part of the ceremony. We highly recommend that you advice the media group to see the Pastor for instructions and limitations on the day of the wedding. After the ceremony, photographs in front of the Altar should be limited to 30 minutes.

Ceremony Etiquette

• Reverence at the Altar: After the wedding ceremony, the couple may not kiss in front of the altar.
• No Applause: Please refrain from clapping or cheering inside the church.
• Celebration: Rice is not permitted within the church or on the church steps. Birdseed, bubbles, or alternative non-staining elements may be used outside the Church on the front steps.

For additional information on the structure of the ceremony, please view the full text of the service.

Symbolism of the Wedding Ceremony

The Armenian Matrimony Ceremony is rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting the couple’s union before Christ and His Church.

• The Vows: The bride and groom exchange vows, pledging loyalty and commitment for life.
• Blessing of the Rings: The priest blesses the rings, which symbolize the couple’s complementary roles and their constant enrichment through marriage.
• Crowning: The crowning is the pinnacle of the service, representing the glory, honor, and sacrifice of marriage. The couple is crowned as king and queen of their home, pledging to rule with wisdom and love.
• The Common Cup: Wine is shared from a common cup, symbolizing the couple’s unity and shared joys and sorrows in their new life together.

We encourage you to explore the sacredness of this Sacrament and contact us with any questions along the way. Our parish is here to support you throughout this blessed journey.

For more information and to request your wedding date, please complete the Matrimony Ceremony Request Form and submit it at your earliest convenience. We look forward to celebrating with you!