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Marriage Prep Brochure 2011
Here are some answers to the questions that we receive.
Do we need to be Anglican to get married at St. Paul's?
Not necessarily. If at least one of you is a baptized Christian, and if you are interested in learning more about the Anglican tradition, then we welcome you to St. Paul's.
What about banns?
Banns can substitute for a marriage licence if you are a member of St. Paul's and neither of you has ever been married before. Banns are as legally binding as a licence; you will save the $150 cost of obtaining the marriage licence.
I'm divorced. Can I still get married at St. Paul's?
Yes. One or both of you can be divorced and still be married in an Anglican church. You complete a form (at no cost) which is reviewed by our Bishop and a committee. Ensure that you give yourself 2 months to complete this process. It's about being open to what you learned about yourself and marriage from the breakup of your previous marriage.
What about marriage prep?
Marriage preparation is an important part of a Christian marriage. Our Rector will meet with you privately and talk about your hopes and dreams. As well, we offer an annual Marriage Preparation Course. The 1-day course takes place on a Saturday, usually in May, when all the engaged couples come together and learn more about themselves and married life. We bring in guest speakers; we offer a personality test and we end the day with a catered candlelight dinner. There is a cost for this course, currently at $100/couple. Brochure for 2011
How do you ensure that things run smoothly on our wedding day?
At St. Paul's, we even provide a church wedding planner so your rehearsal and wedding will be smooth and beautiful.
What about decorating the church?
Although the church is stunning on its own, you are welcome to decorate the church as much as you would like. We suggest that you bring in your decorator or florist ahead of time so they get a feel for the church.
Can our photographer take pictures during the service?
Of course. This is your wedding day and pictures of the actual events while they are happening will capture memories that will last forever.
What about unity candles?
As a gift to our couples, we provide the unity candles for you to light during the service.
Should we have communion at our wedding?
This is a personal decision; nearly half of our couples today have a eucharist at their wedding. It is a powerful way to begin your married life. We have an open communion table which means that all baptized Christians can come forward to the altar rail and receive communion.
Can family and friends participate in the service?
Yes. Our Rector will speak with you about the opportunities for family and friends to get involved in the service. There are opportunities to read scripture, lead the Prayers of the People, sing a solo, and bring up the gifts of bread and wine at the eucharist.
Can we get married in the outdoor prayer labyrinth in the church gardens?
Yes. Our first couple was married in the labyrinth in August 2008.
Can Anglican priests marry outside the church?
Yes. Please speak with the Rector about this.
What is the cost of getting married at St. Paul's?
Our Rector will speak with you about the costs at your first meeting together.
Currently the costs are:
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$325 to the church ~ this includes the use of the church, cleaning, preparing the church, use of the wedding planner and the Altar Guild
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$100 to the organist
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$200 to the priest officiating at the wedding
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$25 to a bell ringer (optional)
What's the first step?
Call the church at 622-4945 and make an appointment with our Rector, Archdeacon Deborah Kraft.
As a special gift to mark your wedding day, you will receive a FREE engraved stone marker with the date of your wedding and your names. This stone will be placed in our outdoor prayer labyrinth.
God bless your engagement!
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