Wedding Information
“We affirm that marriage is a gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God.” “We affirm that this unity is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals”
Adopted by the 30th General Council (1984) of the United Church of Canada Church Council.
What is special about being married in a worship service?
In choosing to be married in a worship service, you are recognizing that your marriage is a covenant with each other and God. The marriage ceremony is an act of worship and a celebration of your love for God and for each other. Your service will include music, prayers, scripture and a message from the minister. It may include hymns, communion or other elements of worship.
You are making your vows before God, who loves you and whose spirit is always with you. As you grow in love with one another, it is our prayer that you will grow in loving relationship with God.
What are the legal requirements?
The minister has a legal responsibility to ensure you have a valid marriage licence or are eligible to be married by publication of banns. “A marriage shall be solemnized only within the three months immediately following the issue of the licence or the publication of banns”1 Anyone 16 or 17 years of age, unless you are widowed or divorced, also needs a special consent form.
The minister must ask if there is any legal impediment to you being married. In the presence of witnesses, you must declare your mutual consent to be married. The minister must make a declaration that the marriage has taken place. Your wedding will be registered in the church records and legal documents will be signed and sent to the Registrar General.
Do we need a marriage license or can we have banns published?
Active members of our congregations may be married under the publication of banns, if neither of you have been married before. The banns must be published in worship at least one Sunday before the wedding. “ A marriage shall not be solemnized under the authority of the publications of banns, earlier than the fifth day after the date of the publication of banns” Section 27 of the Marriage Act
How soon do we need to set the date and time of our ceremony and rehearsal?
Please arrange these dates and times with the minister as soon as possible.
Do we have to attend classes?
You will need to meet with the minister two or three times to plan your wedding.
We do not hold pre-marital classes. We encourage you to attend classes before or after your wedding to grow in love with each other and God, to work at your relationship, to focus on each other and find new ways to communicate.
Who will be allowed to participate in our wedding?
Normally, all weddings will be conducted by the minister of Bridgeport United Church, except in cases where another minister is invited to participate or officiate. Couples may invite another musician to play for them. (Please consult the minister for specific details.)
Members and Adherents of Bridgeport United and individuals with no affiliation to our church may be married by another United Church minister at Bridgeport, or a minister of another denomination after consulting with and receiving approval from our minister and Session Committee.
Any other clergy may assist, when our minister is conducting the ceremony.
Our organist or their designate is available to provide music for you. If you would like them to play, please advise the minister as soon as possible.
You are welcome to invite family and friends to participate in your wedding, as attendants, ushers, readers or musicians.
What kind of music can we use in the service?
The music that you choose should help us worship God. Choose songs that will help you celebrate prayerfully with grace, joy and love. Read the words of your favourite songs carefully. Some of them will be more appropriate at your reception. The minister and organist will let you know if they feel a song is inappropriate.
Can we decorate the church?
You are welcome to decorate the church using flowers, bows or other decoration. Please talk to the minister about your plans to ensure they will add to our worship. We have candelabra you may use for the service.
You will need to do the setup and removal. Decorating should be done at least two hours before the ceremony. Set a time with the secretary, or property committee so the church can be opened for you. If you wish to leave flowers for the congregation on Sunday, please advise the secretary.
Can we take pictures and videos at the church?
Yes and no. You are welcome to have pictures taken before and after the service, in the church or on the grounds. Your family and friends may take pictures while you are coming down the aisle and during the signing of the register. Your photographer should be the only person taking pictures during the service. Please ask them to be discreet.
You are welcome to videotape the service, as long as , the person doing the taping remains in one place during the actual ceremony.
Do you allow confetti, rice or bubbles?
No. Please ask your guests not to throw rice, confetti or blow bubbles in the church or on the grounds. You may use bio degradable confetti or bubbles outside the building.
What does the Church expect from us?
Licence: Please bring your marriage licence to the Church Office at least two weeks before your wedding.
Fees: While we are pleased to offer you the services of our minister, there are costs for us in association with you wedding. To be married by the minister of Bridgeport United Church, where the marriage is recorded in our church records there will be a fee of $750.00. A deposit of $100.00 is required to book the event with the balance due no later than 2 weeks before the wedding in cash.
What of we still have questions?
We hope we have provided you with the information you need for planning your wedding. Feel free to ask the minister if you have questions about other aspects of your wedding or marriage. You may contact the office at 519 745 0931.
