Wedding Policy

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

It is our hope that we can work well together and we invite you to consider the following information:


Marriage: Acknowledgements and Affirmations 30th General Council, 1984

- We AFFIRM that marriage is a gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God. In marriage we offer one another the promise of lifelong companionship, rich expression of human affections and sexuality, and nurture for the children. Marriage as an institution can undergird each relationship and provide stability for society. We affirm the value of marriage and that the church must work both to redeem and care for the institution and to support those entering into a covenant relationship with each other. We acknowledge that marriage can also be destructive.


- We AFFIRM that this unity is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals. It creates holy ground on which the two, and all others, must walk carefully and gently, yet forthrightly and with courage. It has boundaries, between them, and with others, that may not be trespassed. It takes precedence over other relationships. It calls for that caring which heals hurt and tends growth.


CIVIL & LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

The government is also part of your wedding day as marriage is also a civil concern. The marriage laws may vary across the country, but they all require certain acts be accomplished. It is the responsibility of the presider to know and to adhere to these provisions. There is the question of impediment, a clear declaration of mutual consent to the marriage act, the presence of two witnesses (over the age of 18), a declaration that the marriage has taken place by the presider and the signing of the legal documents of marriage (bride, groom, two witnesses and the presider) [ please note that the signing of these legal documents requires that no one may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the wedding ceremony. The ceremony will be canceled if the presider suspects the use of either alcohol or drugs.]


MARRIAGE LICENSE:
In the province of Ontario couples may be married under the authority of a marriage License. Please note that the License must be purchased at least 24 hours before your marriage ceremony and it is valid for a period of three months. Couples are asked to bring the License to the minister on or before the date of rehearsal. If you are divorced, you are required to present your divorce papers when you purchase the License, otherwise, the document will not be issued. This License must be purchased in Ontario from the issuer of Marriage Licenses at any local Municipal Clerk's Office. Two pieces of identification are required by all applicants applying for a marriage licence. An original birth certificate or valid passport , any change of name certificates, record of immigrant landing or Canadian Citizenship card plus photo identification for both parties, regardless of whether both parties will be present. If you have been divorced within Canada, the original or court certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce from the court where the divorce was granted is required. If you were divorced outside of Canada, please request foreign divorce instructions. N.B. Allow approximately 12 weeks from the date of marriage before applying for a marriage certificate.


PUBLICATION OF BANNS:
A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns where the couple worship regularly. No one may marry under the authority of the publication of banns if there was a previous marriage (dissolved or annulled).


MUSIC:
Couples may choose to supply their own musicians or you may to work with our organist, Mr. Abraham TeGrotenhuis. It should be noted that the officiating clergy person has absolute discretion concerning the selection of appropriate music. However, the scope is very wide indeed, the main criterion being that any music chosen should reflect that we gather in worship. Our Organist and Minister would be glad to suggest appropriate music, and likewise to receive suggestions.


THE SERVICE:
Samples of our United Church worship will be provided after the initial interview. Friends or family are encouraged to participate in your marriage ceremony.


THE REHEARSAL:
There are no rehearsals scheduled Friday evenings. We gather for approximately 20 to 30 minutes and we will begin at the appointed time and we will not extend the order of the day beyond the half hour. All members of the wedding party are welcomed to attend. All those involved in the actual worship service are asked to be present to practice their readings or musical selections.


DECORATIONS:
Flowers and other decorative pieces are welcome in the sanctuary. N.B. Confetti is not permitted on Church property.



PHOTOGRAPHS:
You will, no doubt, want to take many pictures of this special day and we will do all that we can to assist you in getting as many pictures as you need. That being said, a wedding is a service of worship. Photographers are invited to be part of the ceremony in a very discreet manner. Please remember that the wedding party is welcome back into the church immediately after the service to recreate photo opportunities.


2011 SCHEDULE OF FEES:


SANCTUARY
$1000.00


Separate cheques or cash for the following due at wedding rehearsal -

ORGANIST
$250.00


CARETAKER
$75.00 (cash svp)