WEDDINGS
We welcome you to think about St. Andrew's Wesley Church as the church where you might celebrate your marriage and find ongoing community and support. There are all kinds of practical details to consider, and we would suggest that you check those out in the lengthy description of our Wedding Policy below. but know that we understand marriage to be a covenant between two people (regardless of gender) who come together, ready to commit themselves to a partnership that is faithful, loving, and life-giving, with the intention of life-long permanence. In the marriage ceremony the couple express this desire and hope with vows of love and commitment that are offered in the presence of God, family and friends.
WEDDING POLICY
One of the minister(s) of St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church 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 with the Marriage Coordinator. 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.
The Marriage Coordinator will tour the couple, complete the Marriage Contract, and receive the $200 Deposit to reserve the date. A package of information on the Order of Service will also be given.
If the ceremony is to be a Blessing and not a Marriage service we must know immediately when you are making the appointment.
It is recommended that arrangements for the wedding reception should be made prior to booking the Church.
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.
THE FEES:
The cost for a wedding in the Sanctuary (main church) is $1400.00.
The cost for a wedding in the Chapel/Chancel is $1000.00.
This fee includes payment for the minister, organist, rehearsal, wedding hostess for both rehearsal and wedding, custodian, use of the church.
Weddings may be performed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Weddings are not performed during the Easter period, nor are they performed the last two weeks of December.
AUTHORITY TO MARRY:
A valid British Columbia Marriage Licence is mandatory. In Vancouver, a licence can be 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 Licence to complete the church register in 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.
The wedding may take place in the main Sanctuary, which seats up to 1,200; or in the Chapel, which holds up to 60 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. A Minister will met with the couple one (1) to two (2) months prior to the wedding date.
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 tapers and a centre pillar candle (plus candle holders for each of these three candles). Bring your candles to the rehearsal and the Wedding Coordinator 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. Pay Parking is available at the DPS 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. 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. 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: For further information, or to enquire about booking a wedding at St.
Andrew's-Wesley Church, call 604-683-4574, or e-mail office.staw@telus.netPARKING:
MUSIC:
A WORD OF CAUTION