Conducting a marriage service - protocols

Last updated 28 February 2005

Outside the Diocese Of Tasmania

• Priests who have been registered with the Australian Government can undertake marriage services throughout the country. The marriages performed by registered ministers of religion are accordingly recognised throughout the country. However, that registration is conditional upon the use of an authorised Anglican service; that is, authorised by the Bishop of the Diocese in which the wedding occurs.
• A priest needs permission from the Diocesan Bishop to perform a Service of Marriage in their Diocese. Please contact the Bishop seeking such permission. Priests of the Diocese of Tasmania have my approval to perform weddings in other dioceses as long as they have the permission of the Diocesan Bishop where the marriage is to occur. A priest can participate in marriage services other than as the celebrant without the Bishop's authority, although it is always good to have open communication with Diocesan Bishops. A request to a Diocesan Bishop will need to have the support of the Incumbent of the parish in which the marriage is to take place.
• Specific permission will be required from the respective Diocesan Bishop to perform a wedding outside a church building as this is not necessarily a practice approved in all dioceses.

In other parishes in the Diocese of Tasmania

Permission for the conduct of a service of marriage is required from the incumbent of the parish in which the marriage is to take place. This approval is best sought prior to making any commitment to the couple concerned.