Wesley Uniting Church, Melbourne

Marriage at Wesley Church

What is a Christian marriage?

The Christian celebration of marriage is an act of worship, an expression of the church's offering of the whole of life to God. It is a pastoral occasion in which the community of faith share in the joy of bride and groom. It is also a gospel occasion in which all those who have come to witness the marriage may experience the implications of the Christian faith.

The Church believes that marriage has been given as a way in which we discover and grow in God's love. Here at Wesley Church, we want to offer the opportunity to explore the spiritual dimensions of marriage. Those who choose to be married in a Church are taking on the Christian view of Marriage. This is different from other views in some important ways:

• The couple are deliberately asking God to bless their marriage and to be involved in every part of their life together.
• The man and woman make solemn promises to each other not just in front of their family and friends, but in the presence of God.
• They promise to be faithful "until death do us part".

Making the Arrangements

Initial arrangements for marrying at Wesley are made by applying to the Minister's Secretary during office hours. The date and time requested for a wedding remain provisional until a Minister has interviewed you, and a deposit paid. The Secretary will arrange an appointment time with the Minister.

The couple will need to meet the minister and sign the "Notice of Intention" sometime between twelve months and one month before the proposed wedding. They will also need to provide:

• Full Birth Certificate (not an Extract of Entry of Birth)
• And, if their has been a previous marriage, a copy of the Decree Absolute of the Divorce or Dissolution of the Marriage; or the Death Certificate (as appropriate)

Some aspects of the meaning of marriage will naturally arise as you discuss the Order of Service of the Wedding with the Minister. The fee for the wedding also includes a Pre-Marriage Preperation Program. With the many pressures today on relationships of all kinds, we should take every opportunity to think through any issues which emerge as we contemplate a step like marriage.

Music

Wesley has a long tradition of fine music for its services. The Director of Music is a professional Organist who is responsible for the music at all services, including weddings.

The music chosen for a wedding should reflect the both the joy of the occasion, its religious significance, and the venue in which it takes place. The Minister and the Director of Music must approve all music and words of the hymns that will be used in the service. The Director of Music has a suggested list of suitable music, however couples should not feel restricted to items included on the list - the Director of Music is a fine musician and competent accompanist, and can accomodate most music requests.

The pipe organ, which dates from 1842, as well a grand piano, are available for use during services. Use of pre-recorded music during any service is discouraged, except under special circumstances. There are also several versatile professional vocal and instrumental soloists available, as well as a fine chamber choir (prices on application).

When selecting music for a wedding, please bear the copyright laws in mind. The Minister's Secretary can provide additional information. Audio and visual recording of services is permitted by prior arrangement with the Church Verger.

Flowers, Ribbons, Furnishings and Confetti

The cost of flowers is included in the comprehensive fee, as is the use of bows and ribbons for the pews. Flower arrangements are provided by Evan's Florist in Exhibition St. Please contact the Church Office to discuss colours and availability of particular flowers, and to finalise flower orders. Flowers will remain in the Church after the wedding.

The furniture on the church dais will be set out as for a Sunday service and should not be moved. We follow the custom of using the liturgical colours on the lectern, prayer desk and Lord's Table, which change with the seasons of the year.

Please have sympathy with those who maintain the tidiness of the Church and its grounds by refraining from using confetti. The use of rice and rose petals outside the Church is welcome, and is environmentally sound.

Do we need to be baptised?

No. The Uniting Church in Australia commonly conducts marriage services for people who are not baptised. We do not encourage people to seek baptism simply to have a Christian marriage service.

Baptism is a serious step of becoming a member of the Christian community, and you should not seek baptism as an adult unless you are serious about becoming an active member of the Christian Church.

Two restrictions

We do not accept weddings on Sundays. The Gospel Hall Cantonese-language congregation meets at 9.15 a.m., and there are English language services at 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.

Weddings are normally conducted by the Minister of Wesley Church. Permission to use a another Minster of the Uniting Church in Australia may be given in special circumstances.

Parking

There is room for two or three bridal cars in front of the Church. The wedding fee includes 10 reserved parking spaces. Additional parking may be available on the Church site, but cannot be guaranteed - couples are requested to inform their guests that there are several large car parks in Lonsdale and Russell Streets.

Fees

The current cost of being married at Wesley is AUD$1,130 (as at 2nd November 2006 - subject to change)

This includes:

• Minister's fee
• Pre-marriage counselling
• Director of Music's fees
• Car Parking (ten vehicles, plus wedding cars)
• Wedding rehearsal
• Flowers
• Verger
• Administration

A deposit of AUD$50 is required on making the first appointment with the Minister, and the balance of the fees is required no more than two weeks prior to the wedding.

Further Information

For more information, or to make a booking, please contact the Minster's Secretary during Office Hours by phone on (03) 9663 2935, or by email .

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