Weddings

In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, a couple can have a church wedding if both the bride and bridegroom are confirmed members of the Church.

A couple can also have a church wedding if one of them belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the other belongs to some other Christian denomination, including the following:

• The Orthodox Church of Finland
• The Catholic Church in Finland
• The Pentecostal Church
• The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Finland
• The Evangelical Free Church of Finland
• The Baptist Church in Finland

A Christian wedding can also be performed if one of the couple is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the other a member of a Christian church that is active abroad.

If neither the bride nor the bridegroom is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a church wedding is not permitted. The Church’s notion of marriage also precludes church weddings for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples can have a prayer ceremony with a pastor or other parish employees and guests. 

Church weddings can be officiated by a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland or a priest of the Orthodox Church of Finland. A few other religious communities also have the right to officiate at church weddings.

Consecrating a civil marriage

If a couple has a civil marriage, their marriage can also be consecrated in a church if at least one of them is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The consecration of a civil marriage is even possible when neither spouse is a member of a Christian church.

Parishes have differing practices with regard to the praying with and for same-sex couples. This ceremony has no official script, and the couple can plan the ceremony together with a pastor or other parish employee.

More information about weddings:

Marriage, Evangelical Lutheran Church of FinlandThe link opens in a new tab (the link opens in a new tab)

Reservations

Wedding facilities, pastors and organists

+358 40 341 7011
turku.varauspalvelu(at)evl.fi
Mon–Fri from 9 am to 3 pm