Photo courtesy of Island Photo.

Policy for Weddings, Blessings and the Renewal of Vows

Download a PDF version of the following Policy for Weddings, Blessings and the
Renewal of Vows. (Updated January 2026.)

Download the Wedding Application Form. 

The commitment to a life-long union is a very special one, and we are happy that you are thinking of making Trinity Episcopal Church part of your wedding, blessing or renewal of vow ceremony. We hope this information will answer the most common questions you may have. 

Trinity Episcopal Church on Mackinac Island is a living church with an active year-round congregation. The members of Trinity offer their beautiful church home for weddings, blessings and renewal of vows as part of our outreach. 

The Nineteenth Century historic buildings are part of the fabric of Mackinac island erected for Christian worship. It is in this spirit that we hope you approach your ceremony. The donations derived from these ceremonies are used to further the church’s work and to preserve these historic buildings. 

PROCEDURES AND POLICY 

MARRIAGE, BLESSING AND VOW RENEWALS 

It is not necessary to be a member of Trinity’s congregation or to be an Episcopalian to be married, have a blessing or renew vows. Nevertheless, a ceremony at Trinity is different from one that takes place at city hall or another location. We hope that couples who come to the church seeking God’s blessing of their relationship will be open to a discussion of the spiritual nature of that relationship and the place of God in their lives. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the people be a baptized Christian. 

OFFICIANT 

It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain clergy to perform the ceremony. 

WEDDING LIAISON 

The wedding liaison at Trinity Church will schedule the date and time of the wedding ceremony and rehearsal. The liaison will be present during the set-up, rehearsal, and the ceremony. 

COUNSELING 

Trinity Church requires that all couples wanting to be married or blessed receive counseling. Please send documentation of completed counseling to Trinity’s vestry at least one month prior to the ceremony. In the event that the officiating clergy and the counselor are different, the counselor must submit written verification. Visiting Episcopal clergy may officiate or assist at a wedding or blessing with the consent of the Bishop of Northern Michigan: the Right Reverend Rayford Ray at (800)236.0087. 

SCHEDULE 

Trinity is available for weddings, blessings and vow renewals from mid May through early October. The date needs to be mutually agreed between the couple and the vestry of Trinity. The letter of application must be submitted to the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 472, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757 or via email at Trinitymackinac @gmail.com. 

SERVICE AND TEXT 

For Episcopal weddings, the service is available in the Book of Common Prayer. For a blessing and vow renewal, appropriate service texts may be selected by the clergy and the couple. If communion is desired, discuss with the wedding liaison. For weddings, the couple must obtain a marriage license from the State of Michigan. This may be obtained at the Mackinac County offices in St. Ignace, Michigan (906)643.7300 If the couple lives in Michigan, the marriage license should be obtained at the county offices where they reside. 

MUSIC 

An organ and piano are available. 

FLOWERS AND CANDLES 

Flowers must be removed within one hour of the service. At the discretion of the couple, flowers may be left for the Trinity congregation. A set of brass candle holders are available to be used on the altar only. If a unity candle is desired, it must be also be placed on the altar. Candles are not permitted elsewhere. Due to the historic nature of the buildings on Mackinac Island, fire safety is a high priority. Being mindful of the horse culture on Mackinac Island, rice, confetti, birdseed or balloons cannot be released or thrown into the air. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Photography inside the church building must respect and honor the reverence of the ceremony. Flash photography is prohibited during the service. Please refrain from using or placing any still or video equipment anywhere around the altar. Professional video equipment and still photography are allowed, with the stipulation that they are operated from the back of the church. Before or after the ceremony, photographs maybe taken inside the church. 

PARISH HALL 

The parish hall is available two hours prior to the ceremony for dressing and photography. Please assign someone from your party to clear out the parish hall no later than one hour after the ceremony. Trinity is not responsible for items lost, stolen, or left in the church or parish hall. 

COSTS

 Two thousand dollars ($2,000) is the required donation for the use of Trinity Church for a wedding or blessing. Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) is the required donation for the renewal of vows. A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of 50% ($1000) of the full donation is required to confirm a date. The balance of the donation is due one month (30 days) prior to the ceremony. The couple is responsible for negotiating the fee with the officiating clergy. 

OTHER THOUGHTS 

Decorations must be fire retardant and should be kept to a minimum. Furniture, fixtures, and the piano may not be moved. In addition, the use of nails, screws, tape and the like are prohibited. There are two electrical outlets in the church for equipment. Thank you for considering Trinity Episcopal Church for your wedding, blessing or vow renewal. To request a date, please complete the application form and return to Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 472, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757 or email, trinitymackinac@gmail.com.

Download a PDF version of the following Policy for Weddings, Blessings and the
Renewal of Vows, sign and return to Trinity Church.

Download the Wedding Application Form. 

________________________________________________________________________

Mail both to:

Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 472, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757

E-mail signed copy as printable jpeg or PDF to: trinitymackinac@gmail.com