Weddings

In baptism we promise to “respect the dignity of every human being.” Because of this promise, Trinity practices marriage equality, offering the sacrament of marriage to both same-gender and different-gender couples. Marriage is understood as a sacrament in the Episcopal Church, an outward sign of inward grace of God. Trinity offers two beautiful spaces for wedding services: our historic Chapel and our main Sanctuary. In addition, Trinity is two blocks from the shores of Lake Minnetonka and one block west of the village center of Excelsior, a popular location for receptions.

One member of a couple must either be a member of Trinity Church or the child or grandchild of a current member of the parish. Learn more about becoming a member of Trinity here.

Eligible couples who wish to be married at Trinity should begin by contacting Parish Administrator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss dates. The couple will then be put in touch with a member of the Trinity clergy and the church’s wedding coordinator. Clergy will arrange for pre-marital counseling, using the Prepare/Enrich program, and will assist the couple in designing their service, using one of two services in the Book of Common Prayer. Trinity’s Director of Music will assist the couple in selecting meaningful and appropriate wedding music.  

Baptisms

"Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Church’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

In the Episcopal Church, the sacrament of baptism is the moment when the baptized is fully welcomed into the Church. From that moment forward, the baptized is marked as Christ’s own forever, a gift that can never be changed or taken away.  

Many Episcopalians are baptized as infants as a sign of God’s love and in recognition of their welcome into the church family. The Episcopal Church recognizes baptism performed in other Christian faiths. For those not baptized, full initiation into the church is encouraged.  

At Trinity, baptisms are most commonly celebrated on feast days: All Saints’ Day, Feast of the Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost.  

Funerals & Memorial Services

I am the Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life,
even though he dies.
And everyone who has life,
and has committed himself to me in faith,
shall not die for ever.  

Trinity Church supports individuals and families through all of life’s transitions, including the death of a loved one. We are reminded by the words above of one our most deeply held beliefs: that in Christ death has been conquered, and the promise of eternal life is affirmed.

Funerals and memorial services are a time to gather with friends and family, to remember and lift up our loved one, and to release him or her to God. According to our theology, memorials are celebrations, time to give thanks for the gift of life and for the goodness our departed loved one brought to our own lives. All of us go down to the dust, we pray in the service, yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. 

Services are provided for both church members, former members and, in some circumstances, non-members. To schedule, please contact the office. A Hospitality Ministry team can assist in planning a reception following the memorial or funeral service.

Columbarium

Niches for ashes are available in Trinity’s beautiful columbarium, located just outside the main sanctuary. Contact the office for fee schedule, availability and reservations. Niches can be purchased in advance.  

Advance Planning

Trinity encourages families to engage in advanced planning for arrangements at the time of death. Recording your wishes for your own time of death and service is of enormous value to your family. Grieving family members want nothing more than to provide what the loved one would have wanted and offering guidance supports your family and loved ones in a difficult time. Planning forms are available in the parish office and can be kept in the church office upon completion.