 |
 |
WeddingsThis page explains what is involved in having a wedding at Camrose United Church.Booking Your Wedding The first step in the process of making arrangements for your wedding is to contact the church Office Manager, Bonnie Smith, to book your wedding. She will provide you with information about when the church is available and the costs involved. Minister After your wedding has been booked, your wedding information will be passed on to one of the ministers who will be in touch with you to arrange a first meeting. There are two ministers at Camrose United Church. Both are licensed to perform marriages. Marriage preparation Marriage preparation is required. Arrangements are made with your minister. Marriage preparation courses are also available in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and occasionally in Camrose. Information about currently available courses is available from the Church office. License You must have a marriage license in order to be married. Your license may be obtained in Camrose at:
The cost is $66.75 and it is valid for 3 months. We ask that you bring your license to the church office a few days before your wedding. The Ceremony The wedding ceremony itself includes a blend of common, traditional elements and elements that are special or unique to each couple. The minister will provide you with materials that give you some choice among various versions of the traditional elements such as prayers, vows and readings. You are also welcome to personalize your service by the addition of special music, poetry, or the participation of friends or relatives (e.g., reading scripture). Documents You will receive a marriage certificate (usually part of the marriage service booklet) issued by the church at the end of your wedding and another marriage certificate, issued by Vital Statistics (Province of Alberta), a few weeks after your wedding. Permanent records of your marriage are made in the Marriage Register, which is kept by the church, and on the Marriage Registration Form, which is kept by Vital Statistics. Music Unless you are providing your own music, you are asked to contact our church organist, Darryl Dewalt, to confirm his availability to play for your wedding. A pipe organ and piano are available. You are also welcome to arrange for special music in the form of a soloist, recorded music, an instrumental piece, etc. The sound system in the sanctuary can be used to play CD’s or tapes for this purpose (if you burn your own CD, be sure to arrange a trial to ensure it is compatible with our player); if you need an accompanist for a soloist, check with our organist. Special music may also be discussed with the organist or minister if you have any questions as to what music is appropriate for a church wedding. Custodian Our custodian takes care of everything related to the facilities, furnishings and equipment. The church is opened one hour before the start of the wedding. If you require access to the church earlier than that, please make arrangements with the church office during regular office hours. Wedding guests are asked not to use rice or confetti in or around the church, because these can be very difficult to clean up. We normally reserve parking space in front of the church for the bridal car. The sanctuary can be made wheelchair accessible. Our sound system has hearing assistance equipment for people who are hard of hearing. There is a “cry room” for those with babies or young children who become unsettled during the service (the service can still be seen and heard). Candles The church provides a pair of candelabra for weddings. In addition, you may wish to light a wedding candle (or “unity candle,” usually lit from the bride’s and groom’s candles) as part of your wedding ceremony. If so, we ask that you provide the candles and holders. Photography Photographs may be taken during the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional, however we ask guests not to photograph the actual ceremony, both because it can be distracting to the other guests, and because we feel that when people are photographing a ceremony they are not fully attending. An exception to this may be made for an official photographer and an official video operator. These may be permitted to photograph throughout the ceremony on the condition that they remain at the back of the sanctuary (behind the guests) and not use auxiliary lighting (e.g., flash, or flood lights). It is usually possible to arrange to come back into the sanctuary after the wedding to take some posed photographs. If you would like to do this, please arrange with the minister in advance. Rehearsal A wedding rehearsal, which lasts 30 to 60 minutes, is normally held, typically on the evening before the wedding day. The scheduling of the rehearsal should be discussed with the minister at your first meeting. The rehearsal should be attended by the bride, the groom, the attendants, the parents of the bride and groom, the ushers, and anyone else participating in the ceremony (e.g., soloist, reader, etc.). If your official photographer or video operator is amateur (i.e., not professional, e.g., a personal friend) it is recommended that they also attend the rehearsal to plan their locations, etc. Flowers and Other Decorations The church provides stands that may be used for wedding flowers. Flowers, ribbons, etc., may be used for the pews, but we ask that they be hung, not taped or attached in any way that might damage the pews. Alcohol and Narcotics It is illegal for the Minister to marry anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or narcotics; therefore if the bride or groom arrives at the church intoxicated, the wedding will be cancelled. Consequently, if alcohol is part of your wedding day it should be limited to after the wedding for everyone involved. Fees The wedding fees are a flat fee that will cover any services you choose to access for your wedding. Please contact the Church Office Manager for the current amounts. We ask that fees be paid through the Office Manager (see office hours) in advance of the wedding. |
Questions, comments or suggestions to camunit@telusplanet.net Copyright © 2001 Camrose United Church http://www.camroseuc.org/weddings.htm Updated: |