Dear Bride & Groom,

We rejoice to learn that you intend to be joined in marriage in the holy Greek Orthodox Church. We provide for you here the forms and information necessary to prepare for this Holy Sacrament and to set the date for your marriage. 

  1. Regular meetings with the parish priest along with marriage counseling.
  2. Please complete the Wedding Information Form.  Once completed, please email it to the parish priest. 
  3. Please complete the Affidavit for License to Marry.  It is This form will be eventually submitted to the Metropolis for the ecclesiastical marriage certificate.
  4. Baptismal certificates will be needed for the bride, groom and sponsors. In addition, Letters of Orthodox Christian Good Standing will be needed for any person who is not a parishioner of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, MI.  Please note, the sponsors (koumbaros or koumbara) must be Orthodox Christians in good standing to be part of the sacrament. 
  5. Please complete the  Wedding Restrictions form. 
  6. Obtain all needed state Marriage Licenses.
  7.  If you have not completed a Commitment Card for the current year, you can find it for download here. 

Days When Marriage Is Not Permitted

  • September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
  • December 13-25 (Nativity)
  • January 5 and 6 (Theophany)
  • Great Lent and Holy Week, Pascha (Easter)
  • Pentecost
  • August 1-15 (Dormition Fast)
  • August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist)

Organist / Musical Instruments

The couple is responsible for securing an organist, if they would like one. The church office has names of competent organists for your information. No musical instruments other than the organ are permitted in the church. Only music that is customarily done is allowed, other music is permitted only at the discretion of the clergy.

Photographer

As the Orthodox wedding is unique, we recommend that your photographer should attend your rehearsal, so that he/she will be prepared to capture the most significant moments of the service.

Checklist for the Wedding Day

  • The civil license (must be acquired no more than one month before the wedding)
  • The wedding rings
  • The wedding crowns (crowns, candles, koufeta, & tray are by custom the responsibility of the Koumbaro)
  • The wedding candles (two decorated candles with white ribbon)
  • A silver tray (Koufeta/Jordan almonds are customary)
  • Honorarium (recommended) donation of at least $75 for the Chanter (Ψάλτης)