Weddings
Churches are special and unique places to get married in – the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.
Sacraments
Add a Spiritual Dimension To Your Marriage
Marriage it is a sign not only of the love of the couple for each other but of the love of God for the couple and the love of God for his people.
The ritual of a Christian wedding ceremony in most cases includes this significant statement: “By the authority committed unto me as a minister of the church of Christ, I declare that [names] are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the law of the state; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Most Common Questions.
We’ve put together the frequently asked questions about church wedding ceremonies asked by couples wanting to marry in Vestry Church. We hope it helps you to prepare for Your Special Day.
Why does the church teach that marriage is a sacrament?
The sacraments make Christ present in our midst. Like the other sacraments, marriage is not just for the good of individuals, or the couple, but for the community as a whole. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage between two baptized persons is a sacrament.
Do Catholics ever validly enter into non-sacramental marriages?
Yes. Marriages between Catholics and non-Christians, while they may still be valid in the eyes of the Church, are non-sacramental. With permission, a priest or deacon may witness such marriages.
Can I decorate the church with my own flowers?
Most churches will be able to recommend someone from the parish who can decorate the church for you, but it shouldn’t be a problem to bring in your own floral displays. Just check with your vicar where you can have the flowers as you wouldn’t want a large arrangement to get in the way during the ceremony.
Do we have to use a specific wedding ceremony?
Our pastor officiates all weddings in our church, using the same basic Christian service as the starting place for designing your unique ceremony. She is ready to assist you in building a wedding ceremony that reflects your personal needs as a couple. Wedding ceremonies held in the Sanctuary need to be from one of the Christian traditions, however there is great latitude to include meaningful elements from other faith traditions in the case of an inter-faith wedding service.
Do we have to use specific music?
No, you do not. You may use music that is meaningful to you. There are some limitations based on which of our facilities you use and the use of the sanctuary organ. We have a highly qualified music staff (please read about them on the staff page of this website) and can assist you in selecting beautiful music for your ceremony.
Do we have to use a member of your ministerial staff to perform our ceremony?
Yes. Our pastor is the primary officiant of all UniPlace weddings, but is always open to co-officiating your ceremony with the pastor of your home church or a clergy member of your family. Please talk to the pastor to explain your circumstance and work out the details of a shared ceremony.
What if my child is no longer an infant?
A child who has not yet celebrated their 7th birthday is considered an “infant” in regards to baptism within the Catholic Church. As long as your child is less than seven years of age, the process and requirements are the same. Depending on the understanding and maturity of your child, this might be a wonderful opportunity for them to share in the preparation for the sacrament.
Do I have to be religious to have a church wedding?
You don’t have to be religious to have a Church of England wedding, however for a Catholic wedding at least one of you must follow the faith and you’re required to get a dispensation to marry there for the one that isn’t Catholic.
How far in advance should I book my church wedding ceremony?
It works the same way as booking a civil wedding ceremony in that places will get booked up months in advance. Talk to your vicar or the church office as soon as possible, particularly if you’re hoping to marry in peak wedding season. Bear in mind most Church of England churches won’t host ceremonies during Lent, although this isn’t usually the case for Catholic ceremonies.
Can we use our own vows in a church wedding ceremony?
If you’re planning on writing your own wedding vows, a church ceremony might not be for you. In England and Wales you cannot change any part of the wedding vows, however in Scotland you can vary the traditional vows or write your own as long as the minister approves them.
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