Faith and Practice

marriage under the care of the meeting

 When a couple wishes to be married “under the care of the Meeting,” they should write a letter stating their intention and requesting that the Meeting begin the clearness process. When both members of the couple are members of one Meeting, the marriage is usually under the care of the Meeting where their memberships reside. When either partner holds membership in another Meeting, a letter of clearness should be obtained from that Meeting.When one member of the couple is not a Friend, his or her religious affiliation needs to be considered in terms of how it will be acknowledged in the clearness process and in the wedding. When active non-members ask to be married under the care of the Meeting, they are subject to the same process with the marriage clearness committee as members.

 Circumstances sometimes lead Meetings to make adjustments to the customary procedures. Such variations should be seriously considered and decisions taken under the guidance of worship.