WEDDING POLICY
Normally, the minister(s) of St. Andrew's-Wesley conduct the wedding ceremony, however, if for special reasons another minister (priest, pastor, rabbi or religious leader) is desired as an ASSISTANT, the minister(s) are prepared to discuss such involvement with the bride and groom.
At the heart of marriage is the commitment made between two people. It is the commitment of fidelity which empowers the marriage, more so than the changeable emotion of love. Thus, it is not the minister who performs the marriage, but the couple; the minister acts as the principal witness on behalf of both the church and the state.
We invite you to approach your wedding in this spirit. If there are reasons for your coming to the Church to be married different from those discussed above, we would appreciate your frankness and openness about them. The Church is pleased to support you in the happy undertaking and to share with you those spiritual resources which contribute to a good marriage.
INITIAL STEPS:
Attend one of our Sunday services, either the 10.30am Service or 4pm Jazz Vespers service.
Contact the Church Office (604-683-4574) to make an appointment to make a reservation for the date and time -- be aware that St. Andrew's-Wesley performs many wedding ceremonies, especially during the summer. Please have a couple of options for time/date prepared.
If the ceremony is to be a Blessing and not a Marriage service we must know immediately when you are making the appointment.
Arrangements for wedding reception should be made prior to booking the wedding.
A non refundable deposit of $200 is required at the time of booking (please note the date and time CANNOT be held without a deposit).
Two months is the minimum advance time required.
A letter from the Minister will be sent to you prior to you making a booking to see the Minister and the contents should be reviewed before the meeting.
THE FEES:
The cost for a wedding in the Sanctuary (main church) is $1300.00.
The cost for a wedding in the Chapel/Chancel is $975.00.
Weddings may be performed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Weddings are not performed between during the Easter period, nor are they performed during the week between Christmas and New Year.
This fee includes payment for the minister, organist, rehearsal, wedding hostess for both rehearsal and wedding, custodian, use of the church.
AUTHORITY TO MARRY:
A valid British Columbia Marriage Licence is mandatory and should be presented to the Church Office, at least one month before the wedding date. In Vancouver, a licence is obtained at #205-605 Robson Street (660-2937); it takes two days to obtain, costs $100.00, and is valid for 90 days.
As we need the form to complete the church register for preparation of your ceremony, please bring the licence and the balance of your fees to the church office one month prior to your wedding. Failure to pay the fees one month before could possible lead to cancellation of your wedding booking. After your wedding we will mail your marriage licence back to the Department of Vital Statistics, who will also register your marriage in their records.
Persons who are in the habit of attending worship at St. Andrew's-Wesley Church, and are known to our congregation, may request the Publication of Banns – but a licence is still necessary.
FACILITIES:
The wedding may take place in the main Sanctuary, which seats up to 1,500; or in the Chapel, which holds up to 80 people. Ceremonies off the premises can be discussed with the Minister. Facilities for non-alcoholic receptions are available. Please discuss your needs when booking your wedding.
CEREMONY:
The Marriage Rite is an authentic order of worship as recommended by the United Church of Canada. It is an occasion for the community to gather to celebrate God's gifts and invoke God's blessing upon the couple. Variations which are in keeping with the intent and spirit of a Christian ceremony are possible and should be discussed with the minister well in advance. A Keep-sake certificate specific to St. Andrew’s-Wesley will be presented to each couple.
UNITY CANDLES:
If you wish to perform the Unity Candle ceremony, you will need two additional tapers and a centre pillar candle (plus candle holders for each of these three candles). Bring your candles to the rehearsal and the custodian will look after them.
ATTENDANTS:
In addition to the minister(s), two credible witnesses (i.e., old enough to understand the significance of what is happening) are required by law. Witnesses (usually the Maid or Matron of Honour and the Best Man) will certify the official documents. Beyond this, there may be as many attendants as desired. Except in very small gatherings, Ushers should be provided; they may or may not be part of the actual ceremony.
REHEARSAL:
Rehearsals are held at 4.30pm or 5.30pm on the Thursday prior to the
wedding.The rehearsal time is made when the wedding booking is made.
All
participants, including Ushers, should be present. The rehearsal is conducted by
the Minister.The organist can be present upon request but an additional fee will
be assessed.
CONFETTI, ROSE PETALS (EITHER REAL OR SILK), BUBBLES, AND RICE:
Please make known to your friends that THESE ARE NOT TO BE USED in the Church or around the entrances.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Picture-taking is permitted in the Church anytime EXCEPT while the service is in progress. Photographers may take one picture from the back of the Sanctuary or Chapel WITHOUT flash during the service. Photographers ARE NOT to be in the aisle in the area where people are seated!! Arrangements for videos of the service can be made (without lights) with the attending minister. Photography during the signing of the documents should be assigned to the official photographer only. Post-wedding photographic sessions, formal poses and sittings, etc., should be planned in a location OTHER than the Church premises. A few family photos are permitted immediately following the service, but not for longer than 20 min.
The Minister and or wedding coordinator will instruct your photographer where it is permissible to take photos or film your wedding.
DECORATING THE CHURCH:
Each wedding is allowed 1 hour prior for decorating. Flowers should be delivered at that time.
We request that you do not use coloured or white carpet runners on our central red carpet.
It is your responsibility to remove all decorations immediately after the ceremony.
PARKING:
Pay Parking is available at the Impark pay parking station under St. Andrew's-Wesley Residences at the rear of the Church. Parking is also available at the Century Plaza or Wall Centre Hotels. We are not able to supply reserved parking for wedding groups.
MUSIC:
It is the policy of the Church that the Minister of Music is in charge of all music for weddings. Persons wishing guidance on music plans, or requesting special selections, or assisting artists should consult with the Minister of Music directly, well in advance of the wedding day. The role of the music is to inspire, uplift, and to illuminate Christian truth. Please note that NO TAPED MUSIC whatsoever may be used during any wedding ceremony.
A WORD OF CAUTION
So that there may be no misunderstanding, please note that any of the following conditions could result in the postponement or cancellation of the marriage ceremony:
a) lack of licence or two witnesses,
b) any participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the wedding,
c) the wedding party is late for the wedding,
d) Final payment not received one month before the wedding.