Weddings

We are happy that you are considering our church as a possible site for your wedding. Marriage is the joy of two people in a relationship so intimate that it profoundly affects their whole being. It is also part of God's created and loving design for us. So all marriage ceremonies at St. Andrew's acknowledge God's presence and power in enhancing our human relationships.

First Steps

Your first step is to contact our office to check if your wedding date and time is available.  A church tour can also be arranged at this time.

Once your date has been confirmed an appointment to meet with our Minister will be arranged.

When you meet with our Minister, he will provide you with some worksheets that will assist you in planning your special day.

Closer to your special day our Wedding Coordinator will assist you with final wedding preparation.  If you would like the church to assist with designing the Order of Service pamphlet our Wedding Coordinator can also gladly assist you.

Getting Ready

The Marriage Licence

It is your responsibility to obtain the Marriage Licence from any Municipal Office in Ontario no sooner than three months prior to your wedding date. In the event that one of you is divorced, you must provide the original or a court certified copy of the Certificate of Divorce or Original Decree to the licence issuer. You will be asked for the Marriage Licence at your second meeting with the Minister.

Please click on the following links for more information about obtaining a Marriage Licence:

Town of Markham website

Ontario Government website

Wedding Music

Arrangements for all music at your wedding are to be made with the Music Director of St. Andrew's Church. If you desire specific pieces of music or would like to invite either a soloist or instrumentalist, please discuss this first with the Music Director. Secular music needs to be acceptable within the context of a service of worship. The Music Director's contact number will be given to you once you book your wedding.

Other Important Details

If you wish to have flowers in the sanctuary we suggest two arrangements on either side of the altar table. You or your florist will need to arrange with the church office as to the delivery of the flowers. Normally the church is open one hour before the wedding.

You may decorate the church with pew bows and candles. Please do not use rose petals within the church. Bubbles may be used outdoors only. Please speak to the Minister about photographs.

Wedding Rehearsals

Wedding Rehearsals for Saturday weddings are usually performed Thursday evening. The rehearsal takes about forty-five minutes and everyone who has a part to play in the wedding service should be in attendance. As there may be more than one wedding on any given day, it is important that all rehearsals and weddings begin on time. The Wedding Co-ordinator will be present for the rehearsal and at other times to answer any questions and make detailed arrangements.

Honoraries

The Church Custodian

It is the duty of the Church Custodian to open and close the church for rehearsals and weddings, and to make certain that the Sanctuary or the Upper Room has been cleaned both before and after the ceremony.

The Music Director

Part of the contract our church has with the Music Director is that he is responsible for all weddings. If you desire an outside organist, the Music Director must approve this. Please note the Music Director gets paid even if you choose to use your own organist. The Music Director usually comes to rehearsals. If you would like him to attend a rehearsal for a soloist, an extra fee will be charged.

Fees

Fees under review - please call church office

For more information on the United Church's philosophy of marriage visit
www.united-canada.ca