The Rite of Marriage declares the living marriage of Christ the Bridegroom to the Church, his bride.  Lutherans believe that marriage is both a sacred and civil rite, licensed by the state, consecrated, proclaimed, blessed and celebrated by the church.  The Rite of Marriage may be scheduled within the regular Sunday service of Holy Communion, or services of marriage may be scheduled on other days, depending on the church’s, the university’s and the wider community’s calendars.