Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. When you are married in the Church, it is important that you understand that a Christian wedding service (though they vary in size and formality) is first and foremost a service of worship. The offer for the solemnisation of marriage which is used must be a service of Christian worship and comply with the Marriage Act of the Province of Alberta.
Our Church fully supports the Northern Lights Presbytery of The United Church of Canada; that our Minister be given a minimum of two months to assist you in the preparations leading up to your wedding. This includes pre-marital counselling outlined by the Minister.
MUSIC: There are many variations that may be incorporated into a service (music, soloist, instrumental music, etc.) but these must be discussed and approved by the Minister. All music selections shall be selected in consultation with the organist/ musician and the Minister. Couples are responsible for arranging for an organist/musician in consultation with the Minister.
PHOTOGRAPHY: NO FLASH OR LIGHTED photography may be taken during the actual wedding service but pictures may be taken during the Processional, Signing of the Register and Recessional. However, we do appreciate the Bride and Groom wishing to have a pictorial record of the occasion and special arrangements can be made for poses following the service or a video taping of the ceremony.
CONFETTI, RICE & BIRDSEED: are not to be thrown in the church or around the outside of the church.
DECORATIONS: couples are welcome to use drip-less candles, flower arrangements and pew decorations. Decorations may be set up at the rehearsal, as long as nothing else is scheduled to occur in the sanctuary prior to your wedding. Otherwise, the ushers may set them up one hour before the service. All decorations must be removed directly following the service.
MARRIAGE LICENCE: all couples must obtain an Alberta Marriage Licence. It is valid for three months and both individuals must appear together at the Marriage Licence Issuing Office to obtain the licence. The license shall be presented to the Minister during the week immediately prior to the marriage.
The Marriage and Vital Statistics Act of the Province of Alberta states that:
“any person who solemnises a marriage knowing that either the Bride or Groom, or witnesses … is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs is guilty of an offence and liable … to a fine and … imprisonment … Therefore, no liquor is to be consumed nor illicit drugs taken by any of the wedding party before the ceremony (or rehearsal) or the wedding will be cancelled.”
Requests for Christian marriage services officiated by St. Paul’s Minister but held outside the church building will be handled on an individual basis by the Minister.
Any wedding ceremonies held at St. Paul’s will be officiated by the covenanted minister or designate. Couples wishing to have another minister participate are to make arrangements with the covenanted minister and Church Board.
Use of Facilities:
Contributions to the life and work of St. Paul’s United are appreciated.
The congregation offers the following guidelines:
Minister: (for a service at St. Paul’s) $200
(for a service at any other location) $300
(plus mileage)
(payable at the rehearsal)
Musician: (organist/pianist – as arranged by the couple)
(other – as requested by couple and approved by minister)
Use of St. Paul’s United Church: $200
(payable at the rehearsal)
Damage deposit (refundable): $100
(payable one month in advance of the wedding)
