At The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Holy Matrimony is a sacramental expression of our faith community. We joyfully support marriage equality and welcome all couplesto be married according to the rites and canons of the Episcopal Church. At least one member of a couple seeking to be married at St. Paul’s must be a baptized Christian (not necessarily in the Episcopal Church).
All couples preparing for marriage participate in appropriate premarital instruction, as required by the Episcopal Church and guided by our clergy. Wedding liturgies are typically celebrated inside the Main Church Building (Nave), officiated by a member of our Parish Clergy, and accompanied by our Parish Organist. All ceremonies use the authorized liturgies of the Episcopal Church.
We generally require three months’ notice to schedule a wedding. If either member of the couple has been previously married and divorced, Episcopal Church canons require that the new marriage receive the consent of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Any questions about this process can usually be addressed during your initial meeting with one of our Co‑Rectors.
Because a wedding is a sacred liturgy, couples are asked to observe parish guidelines regarding music, flowers, photography, and decorations, all intended to support the beauty and significance of the ceremony.
Further details will be provided following your initial conversation with the clergy.
To begin the process, please fill out the form or call the Parish Office at 760-320‑7488 for more information.
Wedding Ceremony Request
