Church of England Backs Plans for Trial Blessings of Same-sex Weddings

THE GUARDIAN: General Synod’s narrow vote in favour means services to celebrate gay marriages could be held within weeks

Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, backed the amendment to offer blessings to same-sex weddings on a trial period. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/AP
Dedicated church services to bless the weddings of same-sex couples could be held within weeks, after a narrow vote at the Church of England ruling body.

The General Synod backed a plan to hold standalone services of blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis.

It means that gay Christians will be able to invite family and friends to a special service, which could be held on Saturdays, to bless and celebrate their weddings. Music, readings, confetti and other features would mean such services could look very similar to a standard church wedding. » | Harriet Sherwood | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Five More Anglican Bishops Back Same-sex Marriages in Church

THE GUARDIAN: Church of England bishops say clergy should be able to act according to conscience on issue that has divided Christianity

A blessing ceremony for a couple in a Catholic church in Cologne, Germany, in 2021.Photograph: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Five more Anglican bishops have publicly backed a call for the Church of England to lift its ban on same-sex marriage, in a sign that momentum may be building for a historic change.

The bishops of Worcester and Dudley have written to all clergy in their area saying “the time has come for the church to celebrate and honour same sex relations”. John Inge, a senior bishop, and Martin Gorick, a junior bishop in the diocese, said they favoured same-sex couples being able to marry in church, although clergy should be permitted to act according to their conscience on the issue.

Inge added in a tweet: “I stand convicted of being silent for too long in what, I persuaded myself, was the imperative of unity. I offer my apologies to all those who have been hurt.” » | Harriet Sherwood | Friday, November 4, 2022

Related article here.

Wunderschöne Blumen für Ihren schwulen, herbstlichen Hochzeitsstrauß

Belles fleurs pour votre bouquet de mariage gay d'automne / Beautiful flowers for your gay autumn wedding bouquet
Für dieses schöne Bild bedanke ich mich bei weddingbee.com auf Pinterest.

Arman & Dylan: Santorini Gay Wedding Trailer

Gay Wedding Santorini 2nd July 2018

Australia’s Most Extravagant Gay Wedding So Far!

Luke and Damien's special day will soon be televised on Channel 7's show 'Extreme Weddings’, .. This extravagant dream wedding was a reality for Luke and Damien and was bestowed as Australia's largest same sex luxury wedding to date.
With many thanks to WeddedWonderland for this photograph of the wedding extravaganza.

Pinkies Entwined. Cute!

Many thanks to PinkIceland for this great, endearing image.

New Jersey Conducts First Gay Weddings | 2013

Oct 21, 2013 • Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, marries seven same-sex couples and two straight couples in a ceremony at City Hall to commemorate New Jersey legalising gay marriage. The first couple to be married are Joseph Panessidi and Orville Bell, both 65. Booker had refused to officiate at wedding ceremonies until the state legalised same-sex marriage.

An Unforgettable Father's Toast at His Gay Son's Wedding

New Orleans: First Dance in Their Own Wedding Reception

”The couple shares their first dance at this luxe New Orleans reception” | Image by Kristen Marie Parker
My thanks for this great photo go to Juneberg Weddings on Pinterest.

Gay Marriage Is Not Just for the Twenty-somethings. It’s for the Mature Man, Too. Feelings of Love, Affection and Attraction Never Die.

A handsome couple: Groom and groom.
Thanks and gratitude go to StudioGregg Photography on Pinterest for this lovely photo.

In Love in Berlin: Uwe and Carsten on Their Relaxed Wedding Day

Eine entspannte, schwule Hochzeit in Berlin.
With many thanks to Vasil Bituni, Hochzeitsfotograf, Berlin on Pinterest for this great photograph.

Have Courage, Will Wed!

Go for it! Take the plunge! Then, live happily ever after.
With many thanks to Style Me Pretty and Pinterest for this great photo. Here you will find stunning inspirational ideas for your gay wedding in Portugal.

”Our Dream Wedding Day” - Benjamin & Michael say "I Do"

Oct 28, 2018 • Highlights wedding video of one of the first same-sex weddings in Australia and the first at Sydney Harbour. On Thursday 11 January 2018 after such debate in Australia we were finally able to get married and have a wedding day that we could only dream of come true. Biggest of thanks to D'nM wedding Films for catching every magical memory! Source: D'nM Wedding Films (2018)

Mark and Andrew ‘Thai’ the Knot

Mar 12, 2018 • Andrew and Mark ‘Thai’ the Knot. A week after marriage equality passed in Australia, Andrew and Mark got married with family and friends from around the globe in beautiful Thailand.

Bart & Frank – A Stylish Wedding in Spain

Dec 18, 2016 • “On 3 September 2016 Frank and I got married in style at a stunning classical villa in sun-drenched Andalucia. A beautiful region in the south of Spain which we both love and have traveled to many times. It simply was the most wonderful day of our lives; surrounded by family and friends, an amazing location and great food and drinks. Pure bliss and love!” Video: Dave Guldemond – www.daveguldemond.nl | Edit: Evelien Populier | Views on YouTube: 59,692

Arkansas : Mountaintop Elopement

”This couple is holding a beautiful floral arrangement adorned in colors of the rainbow, crafted by Petal to the Metal Floristry. Pride, gay wedding, Arkansas, elopement, Arkansas elopement, Arkansas wedding, bouquets.” – Caitlin | Beaty Creative Photography. Her website can be found here.
Many thanks to Caitlin on Pinterest for this unusual photo. Caitlin's website can be found here.

A Scottish Gay Wedding

Sometimes, I wish I were a Scotsman! There’s something about a man in a kilt, don’t you think? Ladies like them, too.
Thanks go to Scottish Wedding Traditions on Pinterest for this super photo.

A Wedding

Elegance
Lovely photo courtesy of Basing House Same Sex Wedding Photography – Sam & Sarah on Pinterest. And here.

Getting Married in Style the Hindu Way

”Amit Shah, 32, and Aditya Madiraju, 31, met three years ago [?] at a party. They have dated ever since and decided to officially marry in a civil union at City Hall in New York City, New York.”
With thanks to the Daily Mail on Pinterest for this serene photo. You can read the newspaper article on the wedding here.

Gay Wedding Bliss

Pleasure and happiness are palpable in this wonderful photograph.
Many thanks to The Knot on Pinterest for this lovely photo. Here’s The Knot’s website where you can arrange your own gay wedding.