We are delighted that you are seeking God’s blessing on your life together, and welcome the possibility of celebrating your marriage here in St. Michael’s Spearwood.
Here are some frequently asked questions –
WHEN?
St. Michael’s Church is available for weddings on most days of the year but is not available on Sundays, Christmas Day, Easter Day, and some other dates. To avoid disappointment, please check early with Church Office.
WHAT IF WE ARE NOT ANGLICAN?
You do not need to be Anglicans to be married in here, but the Anglican Church requires that both (or at least one of you) be baptized Christians. For many people, this will mean having been christened as a baby. For others, this is an opportunity to explore the whole area of faith. What do you really believe about the world and life in the world? What values do I bring to this marriage? How will we live together as a married couple? How will we bring up any children of our marriage? The priest will be happy to listen to you, and help you address some of these big questions.
MUST AN ANGLICAN PRIEST MARRY US?
Only the Anglican marriage rite may be used in Anglican churches, and this must always be celebrated by an ordained and licenced priest. Clergy from other churches may be involved in various ways in marriages here by invitation of the Priest, but may not perform the marriage itself.
WHAT ABOUT MUSIC?
Music needs to be discussed and arranged with the priest. Musicians and singers are always welcome, and arrangements should be made with the priest well in advance.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
A donation of $500 covers all the expenses associated with a church wedding, and also makes a contribution to the continuing ministry and mission of the church. To secure a date and time, we require a non-refundable deposit of $150. This is payable by direct debit to the parish account, or cash. So that we can accurately identify your donation, please fill every description line in your direct deposit transaction, and write your surnames, and label it ‘Marriage Donation.’
The parish bank account details you require are:
Anglican Parish of Spearwood
BSB 706-001
Account Number 30003095
WHAT ABOUT PHOTOS?
You are welcome to take photos and videos before, during, and after the ceremony, and the priest encourages this by arranging photo opportunities during the service – for example, when you are signing of the Marriage Register and other legal documents. It is a courtesy for professional photographers to introduce themselves to the priest so that they know in advance about opportunities for good coverage of your special day, and also necessary restrictions associated with this. We need to strike a balance between keeping the focus on you (not the photographer!), while obtaining a full photographic record.
WHAT ABOUT FLOWERS?
You are very welcome to supply flower arrangements in the church at your own expense, by arrangement with the priest. We understand that you may wish to remove these after the wedding, however it is requested that at least some flowers are left in the church if the wedding falls on a Saturday to be enjoyed at our Sunday services.
WHAT ABOUT INTER-FAITH AND MIXED FAITH MARRIAGES?
More often than not in 21st century Australia, couples will not both belong to the same religious family. It is far more likely that one will be Anglican and the other Roman Catholic, or one Christian and the other Muslim, or one or other or both may be a bit uncertain about their faith identity. Different cultures and belief systems should be seen as enriching your life together, rather than a problem, although different belief systems can cause difficulties down the track, particularly over the raising and education of children. It is advisable to discuss these issues between yourselves at the earliest possible stage rather than defer the issues. The priest will also be very happy to assist you in every possible way.
HOW LONG WILL THE CEREMONY TAKE?
The average marriage ceremony happens within the space of 30 minutes. Where your marriage takes place within a Service of Holy Communion, the ceremony will last approximately 50 minutes.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
There is parking available in the church car park and on the grassed area at the front. Bays will be reserved for your wedding cars.
WHAT ABOUT CONFETTI?
Rose petals can be thrown outside the church, but not inside. Under no circumstances can paper confetti or rice be used. Please respect this ban absolutely as these can be a health and safety issue especially if it rains. It is also an expression of concern for the environment. Bubbles are also fine!
WHAT ABOUT REHEARSING?
The priest will arrange a full rehearsal for everyone involved in your marriage – bridesmaids and groomsmen, witnesses, readers, musicians, etc – a few days prior to the occasion. You need two witnesses, both over the age of 18 years. No other qualification is specified, and witnesses need not be family members.
WHAT NEXT?
Download and complete the Notice of Intended Marriage
Call or email Church Office to arrange to meet our priest.
Bring your completed Notice of Intended Marriage with you to this meeting, together with original Birth Certificates or current Passports, and any other legal documents such as Divorce Certificates. If a previous marriage ended on the death of your partner, the priest may also need to see the Death Certificate