Weddings - Federation of Tampere Evangelical Lutheran Parishes

Two couples are walking towards the Wedding Night altar at the Cathedral, with the first couple's bride wearing a white bridal gown, and the groom in a dark suit with a bow tie.

Let’s get married!

Love is such a big deal that it should be celebrated. This page introduces several different ways of arranging a wedding ceremony. The ceremony can be held with only couple of the most near-and-dear, or with a large party of friends and family.

An unforgettable wedding can just as well be arranged on a smaller scale that does not require as much organising.

Church wedding

A couple can have a church wedding if both the bride and bridegroom are confirmed members of the Church or if one of them is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the other a member of some other Christian denomination. Church weddings are officiated by a pastor.

A church wedding is free of cost if the couple are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

Investigation of impediments to marriage

An investigation into possible impediments to marriage is carried out for all couples planning to marry. This is done to ensure that there are no legal impediments to their marriage. Possible impediments are, for example, a valid marriage or registered partnership, too close of a family relationship, minority and family relationship created by adoption.

Planning the ceremony

The pastor, organist and church can be booked by contacting the parish where the wedding is wished to be held. For Tampere, contact the Service Center either by phone 03 219 0705 (Mon-Fri 9 am to 3 pm) or by visiting the customer service at Näsilinnankatu 26, 1st floor, open weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm.

Booking a pastor and a church

To reserve a pastor and a church (or alternative available church venues), please get in touch with the Church Service Center:

Church Service Center
Phone: 03 219 0705
Address: Näsilinnankatu 26 (street level), Tampere
Open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM