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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:
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.
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)
Wedding facilities, pastors and organists
+358 40 341 7011
turku.varauspalvelu(at)evl.fi
Mon–Fri from 9 am to 3 pm
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