Highland Hills Faith Community
St. Mark's United Church
Weddings
Weddings
Weddings at St. Mark's
This short guide has been prepared to help answer some frequently asked questions concerning our wedding policies. Please contact the church office at: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca, if you have any questions.
A Church Wedding
Your wedding ceremony will be a sacred service in which you make a covenant with one another, and with God, in the presence of a loving community of witnesses.
We seek to be an open community, therefore you do not have to be a member of the church to be married at St. Mark’s. Also, St. Mark’s is open to marrying any two persons who desire to be joined together in marriage regardless of gender.
We invite you to attend our worship services which are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. This will give you the opportunity to experience the worship life of the congregation, and to understand better your wedding as a sacred worship service.
If you wish to learn more about Christian faith and life we welcome your inquiry.
Interviews with the Minister
There are usually two interviews with the minister. The first provides an opportunity to get acquainted, and for couples and minister alike to learn something of each other's expectations. You will be given resources for planning your wedding service, including recommendations regarding music. The minister is open to creating a service that is personalized and meaningful for each couple. The next meeting is devoted to finalizing the Wedding Service.
Education for Marriage
We strongly encourage you to participate in a marriage preparation event. These events focus on enhancing communications skills, the constructive use of conflict, spousal roles and expectations, sexuality, finance, and spirituality. Speak to the minister about possible events.
Marriage License
A marriage license, valid for 90 days, can be purchased at City Hall. The license should be left with the Minister at least one week before the wedding.
Flowers
It is important to have the flowers delivered to the church at a time when the church is open. Please arrange the time of flower delivery with the Wedding Co-ordinator who will assist you at the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding. Flowers that are left in the sanctuary after the wedding may be used in the worship service on the following Sunday.
Photography
Light flashes and camera noise can detract from the Wedding Service. For this reason, photography is permitted during as the Wedding Party enters and leaves the sanctuary as well as during the signing of the documents. A Professional photographer is welcome to take pictures throughout the service in a discreet fashion. Please ensure that your photographer is aware of our policy.
Videotaping of Wedding Services is permitted. However, cameras must be stationary; with no additional lighting; and no restriction of sight lines for the congregation. Please alert the videographer to our policy.
Rehearsal
Almost all weddings require a rehearsal so that the marriage service may be conducted in good order and with minimal anxiety on the part of the couple and Wedding Party. A suitable date for the rehearsal will be arranged with the minister. The couple, the bridal party, any additional ushers, and any involved family members should be present.
Confetti
The use of confetti or rice is not permitted in or around the church building.
Service Bulletin
If a printed Order of Service is desired, the couple is invited to supply the blank bulletins or copy paper, and the Church Secretary will prepare and duplicate them for a fee of $25.
This short guide has been prepared to help answer some frequently asked questions concerning our wedding policies. Please contact the church office at: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca, if you have any questions.
A Church Wedding
Your wedding ceremony will be a sacred service in which you make a covenant with one another, and with God, in the presence of a loving community of witnesses.
We seek to be an open community, therefore you do not have to be a member of the church to be married at St. Mark’s. Also, St. Mark’s is open to marrying any two persons who desire to be joined together in marriage regardless of gender.
We invite you to attend our worship services which are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. This will give you the opportunity to experience the worship life of the congregation, and to understand better your wedding as a sacred worship service.
If you wish to learn more about Christian faith and life we welcome your inquiry.
Interviews with the Minister
There are usually two interviews with the minister. The first provides an opportunity to get acquainted, and for couples and minister alike to learn something of each other's expectations. You will be given resources for planning your wedding service, including recommendations regarding music. The minister is open to creating a service that is personalized and meaningful for each couple. The next meeting is devoted to finalizing the Wedding Service.
Education for Marriage
We strongly encourage you to participate in a marriage preparation event. These events focus on enhancing communications skills, the constructive use of conflict, spousal roles and expectations, sexuality, finance, and spirituality. Speak to the minister about possible events.
Marriage License
A marriage license, valid for 90 days, can be purchased at City Hall. The license should be left with the Minister at least one week before the wedding.
Flowers
It is important to have the flowers delivered to the church at a time when the church is open. Please arrange the time of flower delivery with the Wedding Co-ordinator who will assist you at the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding. Flowers that are left in the sanctuary after the wedding may be used in the worship service on the following Sunday.
Photography
Light flashes and camera noise can detract from the Wedding Service. For this reason, photography is permitted during as the Wedding Party enters and leaves the sanctuary as well as during the signing of the documents. A Professional photographer is welcome to take pictures throughout the service in a discreet fashion. Please ensure that your photographer is aware of our policy.
Videotaping of Wedding Services is permitted. However, cameras must be stationary; with no additional lighting; and no restriction of sight lines for the congregation. Please alert the videographer to our policy.
Rehearsal
Almost all weddings require a rehearsal so that the marriage service may be conducted in good order and with minimal anxiety on the part of the couple and Wedding Party. A suitable date for the rehearsal will be arranged with the minister. The couple, the bridal party, any additional ushers, and any involved family members should be present.
Confetti
The use of confetti or rice is not permitted in or around the church building.
Service Bulletin
If a printed Order of Service is desired, the couple is invited to supply the blank bulletins or copy paper, and the Church Secretary will prepare and duplicate them for a fee of $25.