weddings
Christian Marriage
You like our look and you want to get married here?
Will you marry us?
If you can be legally married,
you can be married at Clayton Wesley. We do not impose belief or baptism
requirements, but welcome you, whoever you are, including those remarrying.
We
conduct a Christian Marriage Service as distinct from a civil wedding.
The act of marriage is a serious spiritual event, but one filled with
joy and fulfillment. We recognise that there are other aspects to
a wedding, but our particular role is to carry out a caring spiritual
ministry.
If
you belong to another church or faith, can you bring your own pastor
or priest?
Ministers registered through the Uniting Church in Australia conduct
all marriage services here. If you belong to another denomination,
it may be possible to invite your pastor or priest to share in aspects
of the service, but not conduct the ceremony.
Viewing the church
The best time to experience the church is on Sunday morning. The flowers are beautiful, the organ fills the air with music, the people are pleased to gather – just like your wedding, really! Come before 10 am, stay for the service, or pop in at 11 for a chat as we move to morning tea. We are always happy to answer your questions.
If you can't make Sunday morning, you can usually catch Anne between 11 am and 2 pm, or 4.30 – 7.30 pm in our café, which is another good time to pay cash for your deposit, if you can't post a cheque.
Marriage Preparation
We want you to have the best marriage possible, and that involves preparation.
We think it is important for every couple, who seeks to be married
at this church, to engage in pre-marriage preparation.
We use a programme, Prepare,
which enables you to identify the strengths and growth areas in your
relationship. It is not a compatibility exercise.
Marriage preparation also gives opportunity for the Minister to get
to know you, to offer pastoral care and help you prepare for the growth
and maturing of your relationship.
Encouraging a Living Faith
We treat your request to be married here as an opportunity
to encourage you in your spiritual journey, and to explore possible
faith communities where you can belong.
Legal Documents
We attend to the necessary documents to register your marriage. You
will need to bring your birth certificates (or an extract).
If you have been divorced or widowed, you will need to produce your divorce 'decree absolute' document or death of spouse certificate.
If you are under 18 years, you will need special legal consent to marry.
Service Times
Saturdays at |
|
1 pm |
Booking time 12.30 to 2pm |
2:30 pm |
Booking time 2 pm to 3:30 pm |
4 pm |
Booking time 3.30 pm to 5 pm |
We work hard to ensure that no couple feels that they are being encroached upon by another wedding.
The service usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes, and you will spend about
an hour at the church. Should there be more that one wedding scheduled
for that day, please be ready to leave our carpark 30 minutes before the next
wedding is due to begin.
We can accommodate weddings on Sundays after 2:30 depending on the church programme
and availability of wedding personnel. Other days are possible by arrangement, particularly Friday and Public Holidays.
Wedding Costs
The fee for marriages from January 2006 is $700.00. This covers marriage
preparation, the organist, the verger, flowers in the church and
the wedding service itself.
Special consideration is given for financial hardship.
Sunday weddings
have a surcharge of 10%.
We require a $70 non-refundable deposit to confirm
your booking.
Please pay this within 2 weeks so that we can guarantee that time for
you.
Aspects of the Service
The Uniting Church order of service involves you, your family and friends
in various ways. The Minister will guide you in planning the service,
and explain the different options and possibilities.
The service allows for
the involvement of family and friends in certain aspects, for example,
readings from the Bible and prayers.
Music
Usually, our pipe organist plays at
weddings. If you have special music requests we need several weeks'
notice. Hymns, both traditional and contemporary, are available.
Sometimes other musicians
can be involved: soloists, choirs and string
quartets are examples. We encourage live music, but CDs can be used
as the marriage register is signed. However, there has to be care
over copyright issues.
Flowers
Our ladies provide flowers in the church. It
is not possible (without additional cost) to provide specific colours.
The flowers remain at the church for the Sunday services.
Photography/Videography
We allow photography and video during the service by the official photographers.
Both must operate from fixed positions to minimise distractions.
Service Leaflets
We
do not print Service leaflets. If you require these, you can produce
them yourselves and the minister can assist you in preparing them.
Confetti
Confetti and ticker tape is not allowed. Rose petals or bubbles
are more environmentally friendly! You may want to have pew bows at
the end of the aisles. These need to be attached by a loop so nothing
is stuck or pinned.
We have several sets that you are free to use.
The Ministry
Team
Rev. Anne Butler has a special focus in our marriage and family ministry.
The
ministers are rostered on different weeks, unless there are special
requests.
Contact: Rev. Anne Butler -
Ph: 8331
9589
You will be invited to a Wedding Seminar to start the wedding
preparation about 3-9 months before your wedding. If you are not contacted,
please make contact at least six months before your wedding date, or as soon
as possible if you have less time than that before your wedding.