An event organized by the Protestant deanery attracts numerous couples to Kranichstein hunting lodge and St. Martin's Church
A day full of emotions, personal moments, and God's blessing: At the "Simply Get Married" organized by the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt on June 26, a total of 32 couples placed their love under God's blessing. At Kranichstein Hunting Lodge and in and around St. Martin's Church, couples took the opportunity to have a church wedding, renew their vows, or have their partnership blessed.
Many couples had registered in advance. In addition, numerous visitors spontaneously decided to have a blessing or wedding ceremony – especially in the evening hours when the temperatures became somewhat more pleasant.
The event began at 8 a.m. at Kranichstein Hunting Lodge. Couples could get married or receive a blessing in the Rondell Hall or the castle chapel until 4 p.m. From 3 p.m. onwards, the event continued at St. Martin's Church and ended around 10:30 p.m. with atmospheric lighting and Beatles music.
Around 50 volunteers are on duty
Despite the sweltering summer temperatures, around 50 full-time and volunteer staff dedicated themselves to giving the couples an unforgettable day. Pastors, lay preachers, musicians, photographers, and numerous volunteers supported the event at both locations.
They held personal conversations with the couples, led the services, provided decorations, served non-alcoholic sparkling wine and water, photographed the special moments, and were available to answer guests' questions. Soap bubbles and water pistols provided additional cooling and a good atmosphere – not just for the youngest visitors.
“My sincere thanks go to the many people who made this day so special through their commitment and many great ideas,” says Pastor Astrid Maria Horn of “FEST im Leben”, the innovation and coordination office of the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt, which organized the event.
A continuation is planned for next year
The "simply get married" campaign will continue in 2027. According to the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau, it is scheduled to take place again around July 2nd, 2027 .
This year, twelve Protestant regional churches across Germany participated in the initiative of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). According to initial estimates, more than 5,000 couples received a blessing for their love in approximately 370 locations
In addition to traditional Protestant weddings, blessings of partnerships, engagements, or wedding anniversaries were also possible. A church wedding required a prior civil marriage ceremony and membership of at least one person in the Protestant church. There were no formal requirements for blessings.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
