Marriage Policy

871 Upper Ottawa Street

Hamilton, Ontario

(905) 389-4150

euc@mountaincable.net

 

Getting Married

At Emmanuel United Church

When you come to Emmanuel United Church and/or our minister to celebrate your marriage, you are coming not to a building or a person, but to a community of faith. The building and minister are two expressions of the community’s faith.

Permission to hold your wedding ceremony at Emmanuel is granted by the Worship Committee.

The wedding ceremony, simple or elaborate, is set in the context of Christian worship.

The role of the community of faith is to offer a service of prayers and blessings to accompany your promises to one another.

You will be making your vows to one another not only in the presence of your family and friends but in the presence of God.

As a community of faith, we will extend pastoral care to you in this time leading up to your wedding.

Planning the Ceremony

 

All couples, regardless of genders, planning to be married at Emmanuel should try to meet with the minister as soon after you have booked the church as possible. This meeting will help you become familiar with each other, learn whether Christian marriage is your true desire and become familiar with the church building.

At a meeting with the minister, you will receive an outline of the marriage service and an explanation of your choices. Together, you will plan a service that is both personal and meaningful.

While a Marriage Preparation weekend session is not a prerequisite for marriage at Emmanuel, these sessions are beneficial. The courses are sponsored by Catholic Family Services and local churches. As classes fill up quickly, you are advised to book as soon as possible. The current fee for this course is $150.00.  Please call: 905-527-3823 Ext. 230.

Following the marriage we will continue to hold you in our prayers and offer you support as appropriate and possible.

We encourage you, where possible, to participate in worship so that you come to a fuller appreciation for the ways God is present in your lives and develop a better understanding of the marriage service itself

The Details

License

You must secure a license from City Hall. Please bring it to the church office at least one week prior to the wedding day.

Publication of Banns

Banns may be requested instead of a marriage license for those couples in the habit of worshipping at Emmanuel. Please speak to the minister.

Music

Our music director has the right to play at all weddings in the church and is the one who gives permission for all other musical participation. The regular fee for the services of the organist is $225.00. This includes:

One consultation about the music desired.

One rehearsal and work with any soloists.

Playing for the service (prelude, processional, hymns, music at the signing of the register, accompaniment to and musical pieces, recessional).

 

Music chosen for the service must be suitable for Christian worship. Our hymn book, Voices United, has a number of appropriate hymns for weddings. The music (and lyrics for songs that will be sung) is to give glory and praise to God. Some “love” songs are fitting; others are best used at the reception.

Rehearsal

 

The rehearsal is usually planned for the Thursday evening before the wedding. The organistand caretaker will also be available at this time. Depending on the size of the wedding party, the rehearsal takes about 45 minutes.

Decorations and Flowers

 

Flowers and candles are the responsibility of the wedding couple. You might consider leaving the flowers in the church for the Sunday service, as a celebration of your marriage. Pew bows are available, or you may provide your own. A candelabra is available. The wedding couple may decorate it or the church will provide decorations if wanted. There are two sets of banners to choose from. These are hung at the front of the sanctuary.

Bulletins

 

Bulletin covers are supplied by the wedding party, if they are wanted. The order of service is prepared and copied by the Administrative Assistant. Please inform the office if large print bulletins are required.

 

Fees

 

*Minister                                               $250

  Organist                                               $225

  Custodian                                            $100

  Office Administration Fee              $25

  Bulletin Preparation                        $25

**Use of Church                                 $225

                Sub Total                         $850

*Offsite wedding fees are subject to negotiation.

**This amount is optional for members of Emmanuel.

Separate cheques for the above should be in the church office (along with the license) at least one week before the wedding.

Minister Rev.                           Sandra Ann McCarl

Music Director                        Richard Crossman

Custodian                                  Charlotte Butt

Administrative Assistant    Meredith Taylor

Wheelchair Accessibility

Emmanuel is a wheelchair accessible church. On the south side of the building, there is a wheelchair ramp, with entrance to the building through the double glass doors.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are available for those with hearing disabilities. Please speak to the custodian.

Fireside Room

When your wedding is booked at Emmanuel, the Fireside Room is booked for the bridal party’s use before the ceremony.

Confetti

Confetti is not permitted anywhere in the building.

Photography

Flash photography is not permitted during the service.

There will be an opportunity following the service for pictures in the sanctuary, should you wish.

Reception

Our Fellowship Hall is available for a reception following the service. No alcohol or smoking is permitted in the building. Catering is provided by the United Church Women. Please contact Marion Dakin at (905) 385-2618, for more details.

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