FAQs
Question
What should I know about the Orthodox Christian Marriage Rite?
Answer
Holy Matrimony is a sacrament of the Orthodox Church in which a couple agrees before Christ, the priest, and the Church to be united together for life. The couple is joined in Holy Matrimony with Christ, as He is the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride. The Orthodox wedding ceremony is rich in tradition and symbolism. Orthodox Christians believe that it is God who unites the couple; in the sacrament of marriage, the church recognizes and blesses the union God has begun in their lives. The sacrament of marriage is two services in one: first the betrothal service which includes the blessing of the couple's rings and then the wedding, or crowning, service. Refer to the resources below for more information on the Rite of Marriage: https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church
Question
When should I RSVP?
Answer
Kindly RSVP no later than June 15, 2024.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
While there is no formal dress code, we ask that you wear something that is nice and respectful for the ceremony inside the church. Please also note that the reception is outdoors, and it may be quite warm in the Southern California summer.
Question
Can I bring a guest?
Answer
Please refer to your email invitation for information on guests invited in your party.
Question
What should I know if I am travelling to the wedding?
Answer
We are so grateful that you are willing to travel to be with us on this special day! We recommend making any travel accommodations ASAP as our wedding weekend overlaps with San Diego's Comicon event which is the city's busiest travel weekend of the year. For those travelling by plane, we suggest flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN). The church venue is about 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego and SAN. While we do not have a hotel block because Comicon is in town, there are many hotel and Airbnb options in the San Diego County area. We encourage you to explore your options and choose your preferred lodging.
Question
When should I arrive for the ceremony?
Answer
The service will be starting promptly at 3:30 PM to ensure there are no delays to the evening vespers service. We recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to park and get seated.
Question
Is there parking at the venue?
Answer
Yes, there is parking at the church and overflow street parking in the venues neighborhood. If you opt for street parking, please make sure you do not block any of the neighbors' driveways.
Question
Will the wedding ceremony be live streamed?
Answer
Yes, for those who cannot attend the service in person, we will be live streaming it at 3:30PM PST from St. Anthony the Great Antiochian Orthodox Church's YouTube channel (further details to come).
Question
What should I do between the wedding ceremony and the reception?
Answer
The wedding service will end at 4:30PM and the dinner reception will begin at the church patio grounds at 6:30 PM. During this break, guests will be welcome to light refreshments and a time to socialize outside in the patio area while the wedding party takes pictures. From 5:30 PM - 6:30PM, the church will also hold its regular vespers service which any wedding guests are welcome to attend or continue socializing on the patio. Please be mindful to keep moderate noise levels at this time.