You are planning your marriage and we are here to help you in this journey.
Marriage is seen as a Holy Estate in which two people pledge themselves to one another in the presence of God and the Worshipping Community – the Church. We are an open and inclusive part of the body of Christ and affirm the right of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to enter marriage with the blessing of the church community. God’s love includes all of God’s children. This is an ongoing commitment and is not to be entered into lightly, the end pursuit being that the bonds of marriage are enriched and strengthened, and love, in all its fullness, might find a place for expression without fear and in security. To this end we invite Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, to be the honoured guest at this marriage celebration as He was at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
The following is the policy of Port Wallis United Church concerning the Wedding Ceremony.
Marriage in the Church Sanctuary is a public Worship Service to which the couple invites their special guests. Pictures may be taken before the Worship begins and then after the Benediction is given, (during the signing of the Registry) but we ask that no pictures be taken during the Service.
Music must be seen as an avenue in which praise may be offered to God and through which we offer to God the deepest expression of our life. In this light we ask that music be chosen that reflects God and honours God.
It is the expectation of Session that the couple be known to the Church Community in one of the following ways:
- Be a member of the United Church of Canada; or
- Be a faithful adherent of Port Wallis United Church in good standing; or
- Bring a letter of introduction from a Church of which one of the couple is a member.
Also, it is the expectation that:
- one of the couple has been baptized;
- the couple will attend a minimum of 3 Worship Services in Port Wallis prior to their Wedding;
- a letter requesting permission to be married must be received by the Session at least three months prior to the date of the Ceremony.
As has always been our policy, the Session will review all requests on an individual basis.
People are asked to be creative in the manner in which they shower the couple as they stand outside the Church. Birdseed is the most appropriate, while confetti is not allowed.
The following are the fees set by the Church for a Wedding in the Sanctuary:
- Church Administration Fee $150.00
- Organist Fee $125.00
- Janitorial Fee $100.00
- Ministerial Fee $300.00
If you plan your Wedding outside of the Church Building, the following Fee Schedule applies:
- Church Administration Fee $150.00
- Ministerial Fee $300.00
Payment is due at the Rehearsal or on the day before the Wedding in separate allotments.
We wish you a long, happy and prosperous life together. We will remember you in our prayers and hope that you will join us in our Worship Services and in our various services to the Community. God bless.
This Marriage Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Updated 2019-11-01