Remarriage After Divorce

At least two months before the service: If you have had a previous marriage ended by divorce of annulment, you must observe the following requirements to obtain permission from the Bishop of Virginia to celebrate your marriage at St. Luke’s.

i. One full calendar year must have elapsed since the court decree ending the previous marriage. Copies of such court orders must be presented to the priest in the pre-marital conferences.

ii. If a person has had more than one marriage ended by divorce or annulment he or she must see (at their own expense), a licensed therapist, pastoral counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist and must present a letter from that professional affirming the couple’s readiness for marriage in light of events that led to the death of their previous marriage. This document is set with the application for remarriage after divorce to the Bishop for his approval. The Center for Pastoral Counseling will provide this service for an additional fee.

iii. The officiating priest must write a letter to the bishop requesting permission to perform the marriage. Included with the letter must be copies of court documents and pastoral counselor’s letter. Any priest in the Episcopal Church may decline to solemnize any marriage at his or her discretion. (National Canons I.18.4)