“Love is patient; love is kind.” (1 Cor. 13:4)
Getting married is an important moment in life. For many couples, it is a way to celebrate their commitment to one another, gather loved ones and look towards a shared future.
In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, marriage is both a commitment between two people and an occasion to ask for God’s blessing on their life together. A church wedding includes promises, prayers and a blessing, shared in the presence of family, friends and the congregation.
There are different ways to get married in Finland. A couple can have a civil wedding or, if they meet the requirements, a church wedding that is legally valid. A couple who are already married can also ask about having their marriage blessed in a church ceremony.
A church wedding combines the legal act of marriage with a Christian ceremony. It usually takes place in a church or chapel, but other suitable locations may also be possible.
The requirements for a church wedding depend on the couple’s church membership and circumstances. If you or your partner belong to another Christian church, or if one of you is not a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, your local parish can explain the available options.
When planning a wedding in Finland, you need to make sure there are no legal impediments to the marriage. You will also need to arrange the ceremony, choose a location and meet with the pastor if you are having a church wedding.
Your local parish can guide you through the process, explain the documents you need and help you plan the service. If one of you is not a Finnish citizen, allow extra time for the required checks and documents.