A Guide for the Couple who Wish to be Married at Northminster United Church

The wedding day is a very special celebration of love between two people. In the context of the church, marriage is the public declaration of a couple's love before God, and in the presence of family and friends.

1. a Marriage Commissioner appointed under the Marriage Act (a Civil Wedding) or

2. a Minister who is registered under the Marriage Act.

We invite you to consider our church home to be married in. If you choose to be married at Northminster United Church, then a religious ceremony will be created. The legal requirements of the marriage will be fulfilled and the blessing of God will be part of the service.

The Minister is the key person in the planning of your wedding. An initial meeting must be arranged with the Minister and this will confirm the couple's booking. It is the couple's responsibility to be in regular contact with the Minister as plans evolve.

All weddings at Northminster will be conducted by our Minister, except when the Minister is on holidays. Other ministers may share the service, or in extraordinary circumstances, conduct the marriage ceremony upon approval by the Board. We do our best to accommodate all Marriage requests.

Church Home

Couples married in Northminister United Church are cordially invited to make it their church home.

Marriage Preparation

The United Church in Calgary offers marriage preparation courses. To find out more information on these course please call 403-294-378 or visit www.pastoralcareunited.ca

We require that all being married in our church take a course prior to the wedding.

Questions people ask us about our church

• Time of the wedding:
  • Make sure that you meet with our Minister to ensure that the church is available on the date and time you are looking for before you announce your wedding date.

• Music:
  • Our organist usually plays at all of our weddings. She is available to assist you with your music selections. Y ou should arrange to meet with her well ahead of the ceremony.

• Soloist:
  • Many weddings a soloist is invited to sign during the ceremony or while you are signing the register. Your soloist should make arrangements to meet with the organist to practice prior to the ceremony.

• Flowers and Pew Markers:
  • Fresh flowers should be delivered to the church one hour prior to the ceremony. Pew markers and decorations may be set up at the rehearsal the night before.

• Candlelight Ceremonies:
  • A candelabra is available for you to use during your wedding ceremony. Special use of candles during the ceremony can be discussed with our Minister.

• Photographer and Videographer:
  • A designated individual will be allowed to take pictures and video tape your special day.

• Rehearsal:
  • A rehearsal will be arranged usually the day before the wedding.

• Confetti:
  • The use of confetti or rice inside or around the church is not allowed. We suggest that you use bubbles instead.

Expenses

The cost of a wedding at our church includes our Minister, sanctuary, organist and janitor. This cost is $750. If you would like to invite a soloist to sing at your wedding, this cost should be negotiated separately.