All about Weddings at American Church in Berlin

We believe God created human beings to live in relationship with each other—in communities and throughout society.

God pours out abundant blessing and grace when two people commit themselves to a lifelong covenant of faithfulness and love. In making their promises before God, couples trust that God both blesses and strengthens them as they grow into these vows.

Because the triune God is at the heart of all our worship, weddings at American Church in Berin follow the same liturgical principles that shape our regular life together. Weddings are celebrated within the structure of our usual eucharistic liturgy. The same liturgy is offered to opposite and to same-sex couples. Couples meet with the pastor for premarital counseling and to select scripture readings, and with the cantor to plan the music.

In Germany, all couples must first be legally married by the civil authorities before a church wedding can be celebrated, as an ecclesial marriage has no legal standing on its own under German law. For those who, for personal or practical reasons, do not wish to enter a civil marriage, our pastor can offer a service of blessing for their partnership, praying for God’s grace and accompaniment in their life together.

There are no membership requirements, as weddings are part of the ministry of the pastor, the cantor, and the congregation. A gift or offering to the ministry of American Church in Berlin is greatly appreciated. During the cold months, heating the church building costs €600.