Drop by spontaneously and say yes: This is possible with the “just get married” campaign run by the Protestant regional church. Miesbach is also taking part for the first time.
Miesbach
- Reserve an inn with a hall, book a band, send invitations - and last but not least, of course, make an appointment with the priest: Organizing a church wedding often requires months of planning. Quite a few couples shy away from the stress of saying yes and therefore prefer to postpone it.
The “just get married” campaign by the Protestant regional church in Bavaria proves that it is also uncomplicated. After the great success at the premiere last year, this year a total of 46 churches and chapels are taking part instead of 13 - including the Apostle Church in Miesbach. On Wednesday, April 24th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pastor Erwin Sergel and eight colleagues from the entire district invite couples to spontaneous blessings and weddings. In the interview, Sergel explains what awaits those wanting to get married and why he himself is very excited.
Mr. Sergel, when you think of lightning weddings, you primarily think of flashy ceremonies in Las Vegas or staged television shows. Does something like this really fit into your church?
Erwin Sergel:
It won't work like that. The fact that you get married spontaneously in a church doesn't mean that you haven't thought about it beforehand. On the contrary: the couples have often already married in a civil ceremony and also want to exchange vows in church. The desire is often deeply rooted, but no suitable opportunity has yet been found. We are now opening the door. Uncomplicated, but no less festive and blessed.
How much atmosphere can arise when the couples step in front of the altar like on an assembly line?
Erwin Sergel:
This picture is also not accurate. We know from reports from the 2023 campaign that all celebrations were filled with positive energy and gathering. The couples were very touched - and of course their colleagues too. We let ourselves be infected by this.
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Do couples have the opportunity to design the ceremony according to their own wishes?
Erwin Sergel:
But yes! In a preliminary discussion with me or one of the other pastors, we will determine the design of the 20-minute blessing ceremony individually. We have musicians and also provide everything for the champagne reception afterwards. If you would like to bring something with you or contribute, you are welcome to do so. Of course, this also applies to accompanying persons and guests.
How busy are you expecting on April 24th? Will there perhaps be queues?
Erwin Sergel:
We are breaking new ground here in Miesbach, so I don't trust myself to make an assessment yet. Because the campaign is very open - for example, lovers, couples without a wedding certificate, long-married couples or same-sex couples can also have the blessing received - we assume that the offer will be quite well received. For couples in which at least one partner is Protestant and who are already legally married, we can also enter the blessing in the church register as a Protestant wedding.
How many couples can you manage between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.?
Erwin Sergel:
I think 20 celebrations are easily feasible. But what is much more important to us than the sheer number are the beautiful experiences and valuable encounters that will hopefully result from it.
Information and registration
In principle, you do not have to register to take part in the “just get married” campaign in the Protestant Apostle Church in Miesbach. If you would still like to reserve an appointment now, you can do so at https://www.miesbach-evangelisch.de/einfach-marschen-2442024.
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