WEDDING INFORMATION
Thank you for your considering St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington for your wedding. Please read this information, then contact the Rector to make an appointment to discuss your wedding.
GENERAL
An Anglican Wedding
Our churches are only consecrated for Anglican forms of worship and our clergy are only authorised by the Attorney General to marry people according to the rites of the Anglican church. There are ways to personalise your wedding, but please be aware that an Anglican marriage liturgy does not allow you to write your own vows and must include a reading from the Scriptures.
Getting married somewhere else
If you live within our parish boundaries please contact the Rector if you wish to be married in a venue other than our two church buildings. If your wedding will include a large number of guests, it is possible to negotiate to use a larger church building nearby. It is possible to conduct a wedding in a venue other than a church building, however due attention must to be given to the appropriateness of the venue, and an alternative venue must be arranged in case of poor weather. Regardless of venue, an Anglican priest may only conduct an Anglican marriage service.
Baptism and Other Christian Traditions
We welcome enquiries from people of diverse Christian traditions and recognise the validity of any Christian baptism. Because of the nature of Christian marriage, the Anglican Church requires at least one member of the couple to have been baptised. Ideally, both partners will have been baptised. Couples sometimes seek baptism for themselves (and their children) before the wedding. Please discuss this with your priest if you are uncertain.
Remarriage after Divorce
The Anglican Church allows clergy to conduct weddings for people who have previously been divorced. When confident that the issues which led to a previous divorce have been addressed, the priest will seek the permission of the Archbishop for the wedding. This extra layer of accountability is designed to protect both partners from repeating any errors of the past. Please be assured that you will be treated with respect and sensitivity.
Who will conduct the wedding?
If you live within the parish boundaries, the Rector of Darlington-Bellevue will generally officiate at your wedding. You may also request to be married by another priest who has permission to officiate in the Diocese of Perth. If you live outside our parish boundaries you will be asked to contact your local Anglican priest to ask them to prepare you for marriage and conduct the service.
Living Together
We know that many couples share a household prior to marriage. Please feel comfortable discussing this with your priest.
Capacity
St Cuthbert’s Church can accommodate approximately 90 people.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
Marriage Preparation Program
All couples preparing for marriage must undergo a marriage preparation program. Most priests use Prepare-Enrich. This program requires the couple to complete an online questionnaire then spend at least two sessions discussing the results. You can find out more information at www.prepare-enrich.com.au. The cost for the program is $150 which is included in the overall suggested fee. If the Prepare-Enrich program identifies serious issues which need resolution before you get married, you may be referred to appropriate professional assistance.
Prayer
In the weeks preceding your wedding, our congregation will be praying for you. Your names and the date of your wedding will be placed in our newsletter The Mustard Seed.
Sunday Worship Participation
We encourage you to attend Sunday worship at St Cuthbert’s or your local Anglican church before and after your wedding. Each Sunday at St Cuthbert’s there is a Eucharist (also called Mass or Holy Communion) at 9.00am. There is a children’s program every Sunday of the year, except during January.
Financial Contribution
There is no fee to be married in an Anglican Church. We do welcome donations to assist our mission. It may help you to know that operating costs for the parish are around $2300 per week. We suggest a donation of $450 for a wedding. You can offer this gift:
· by cheque to Parish of Darlington-Bellevue
· by funds transfer to: Parish Darlington-Bellevue BSB: 706 001, Account No.: 3000 3649
· by cash in a marked envelope
Reception
The priest who conducts your wedding will not necessarily expect an invitation to your reception, and may not be able to attend due to other ministry duties.
Documentation
In order to be legally married, you will need to provide
· Your birth certificate, passport or other acceptable form of identification
· The decree nisi from any previous marriages
THE WEDDING DAY
Flowers and Decorations
You are asked to arrange your own flowers for the wedding and to leave them in the church for the following Sunday. Decorations may be tied to the pews with ribbon, provided they are removed after the wedding. In the rare event that there are two weddings in one day, you will be asked to liaise with the other couple about sharing or changing flowers.
Music
St Cuthbert’s Church houses a good-quality electronic organ. Our parish organist can play for your wedding, or you can make your own arrangements. The cost for the parish organist is $150.
We have a good quality sound system that can play recorded music via an MP3 player. Music for a wedding should be appropriate for a service of Christian worship. Some couples value the singing of a hymn at the wedding if the majority of guests feel confident singing. Please discuss these details with your priest.
Ushers
You will need to appoint at least one usher for the wedding. This person should arrive at the church at least thirty minutes before the wedding and liaise with the priest about seating and parking.
Cleaning
Cleaning of the church is the responsibility of the parish. Please ensure that your usher removes any leftover items from the church upon departure.
Orders of Service
A printed order of service is not necessary for a wedding, however some couples like to produce one as a souvenir. You must liaise with the priest regarding the content of the Order of Service before it is printed.
Confetti
The use of confetti is not allowed. Bubble packs and rose petals are allowed.
Holy Communion
Some couples will value celebrating Holy Communion as part of their wedding. This is not compulsory and is generally advisable only if the majority of guests are regular communicants.
Furniture
Furniture may not be moved without the permission of the Rector.
Photography
Photographers should be aware that St Cuthbert’s Church in particular has limited natural light. Most photographers are aware of appropriate behaviour at a wedding. Appropriate behaviour includes:
· Introducing themself to the priest before the wedding and discussing mutual expectations
· Behaving in a discreet and respectful fashion
· Limiting the use of flash and noise
CONTACT
Once you have read this information, please contact:
The Rector
08 6292 0074 (please leave a message)
info@hillsanglicans.com
