Wedding Services
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When you come to St. Andrew’s United Church to celebrate your marriage you are coming not to a building, but a community of faith. The building, and particularly the sanctuary and chapel, is one expression of the community’s faith. 

The wedding ceremony, simple or elaborate, is set in the context of Christian worship.

The role of the community of faith is to offer a service of prayers and blessings to accompany your promises to one another.

You will be making your vows not only in the presence of your family and friends, but also in the presence of God.

As a community of faith we will extend pastoral care to you in this time leading up to your wedding.

Your relationship with the community through this time will include:

1.  Initial interview with the minister – As soon as possible          
This is to determine if Christian marriage is your true desire. Book early at the church office. This meeting will typically last between 1 and 1.5 hours and will involve some pre-marriage conversation. Both partners must be present. You will obtain a Marriage Information Form and are to complete it and return it to the church office as soon as possible, along with a $125 non-refundable deposit (cash or cheque payable to “St. Andrew’s United Church”). No wedding date will be set until after we receive this form and deposit.

2.  Marriage Preparation  
You are strongly encouraged to participate in a pre-marriage course. There are several options. The minister will provide you with details at the interview.

3. Music Consultation – One month before the ceremony
If you choose to use the services our organist, and have special musical requests, please let the minister know.  Otherwise, traditional wedding music will be played.

4.  Ceremony Resource Choices – One month before the ceremony As a couple you have the opportunity to customize your wedding ceremony. The many options are contained in the Wedding Ceremony Resources book, which you are to borrow from the church office. Bring the completed “Marriage Ceremony Choices” form (yellow) to your final meeting with the minister.

5.  Appointment to finalize ceremony details with the minister – Two weeks before the ceremony    
At this brief meeting, the minister will discuss with you the ceremony choices you have made, and may also check in about your pre-marriage work. She can answer any questions you may have. You are to bring your completed marriage license to this meeting. (Please ensure that all the information on your marriage license is correct.) 

6.  Rehearsal (see following notes) – One or two days before the ceremony

7.  Wedding Ceremony

8.  Follow up 
Following the marriage we will continue to hold you in our prayers and offer you support as appropriate and possible.

We encourage you, when possible, to participate in worship so that you come to a greater awareness of the ways God is present in your lives and to develop a better understanding of the marriage ceremony itself. Our community worships Sunday mornings at 10:30 am.

 Details…Details…Details

 License

You are to secure a license from the Municipal Office. Bring it to your final meeting with the minister, or leave it in the church office at least two weeks before the wedding day, along with the balance of the fees in cash.

 Publication of Banns

This can be requested instead of a marriage license for those couples who worship regularly at St. Andrew’s. Discuss this possibility with the minister.

 Music

An organist is available to play in the church. The regular fee for the services of the organist is $125. This includes:

a)     Initial consultation about the music desired.

b)    One rehearsal (if required) with any soloist or instrumentalist.

c) Playing for the ceremony; prelude, processional, hymns (if any), music at the signing of the register, accompaniment to any solos, recessional.

 Music chosen for the ceremony must be suitable for Christian worship. The music (and lyrics for songs that will be sung) is to give glory and praise to God. Some “love songs” are fitting; others are best used at the reception. Soloists/instrumentalists can arrange practice times with the organist or, if not using his/her services, can arrange suitable times with the church office.

 Rehearsal

A rehearsal is usually set the day or two before the ceremony at a time when most participants in the wedding party can be present. Depending on the size of the wedding party, the rehearsal takes about 45 minutes. The Church Caretaker will be involved in all church weddings to assist the bridal entourage.

Decoration/Flowers

Candles and flowers are the responsibility of the wedding couple. Flower delivery can be done one hour before the ceremony or by special arrangement with the church office. It may be possible for decorations to be placed at the rehearsal time. Any seasonal decorations will remain in place – e.g. Christmas, Thanksgiving. Please note that the use of confetti and rice is not permitted.

Photography

Video cameras may be set up in the balcony. Guests may take pictures during the processional and recessional only. A designated photographer may take pictures during the ceremony but must be discreet. Many find the balcony a good place to be. 

Please note:

a)       Flash is not preferred.

b)       Photographers should not be between the bridal party and the congregation. It is possible to have some pictures taken in the church after the ceremony.

All photographers must consult with the minister before the ceremony begins.

Bulletins

The church office can prepare a wedding bulletin. You are responsible for supplying the bulletin covers. The minister can provide examples. This service costs $25.

Fees

Sanctuary	Non Members	Members /Adherents
Minister	$150	$150
Caretaker	$100	$100
Use of Facilities	$125	$0
Total	$375	$250
Chapel
Minister	$150	$150
Caretaker	$50	$50
Use of Facilities	$75	$0
Total	$275	$200
Optional Services
Organist	$125	$125
Sound Person	$35	$35
Bulletin Printing	$25	$25

(These Policies Revised: June, 2007)

Ref: WEDDINGS/Brochure