Congratulations on your decision to marry!

A wedding is one of life’s great moments.  St John’s has been celebrating weddings in the Canberra region since our foundation in 1841.  It is a popular destination for many couples, especially those requiring a more intimate worship space.  The Church is open daily and we invite you to come and experience the ambience of our Church and grounds.

Marriage is one of the most important commitments a couple can make.  “Marriage is a gift of God… a life-long partnership uniting a woman and a man in heart, mind and body” (A Prayer Book for Australia).

When choosing to be married in the church you add a God dimension to your future.  You stand in the spiritual presence of the One who makes and gives life to all things – including you and your partner.

We at St John’s are keen to support you in your marriage.  If you have questions about the Christian faith come and join us at worship or make an appointment with one of our clergy.

Scripture teaches that marriage is a lifelong partnership.  However, relationships do break down for many reasons.  Within the Anglican tradition remarriage of divorced persons is possible with the Bishop’s permission.

Our Wedding Coordinator will liaise with you regarding legal and church requirements and assist you in administrative matters.  The Celebrant for your wedding will assist in the planning of your ceremony.  A marriage relationship workshop called Making Love Last is run by St John’s Care to help you prepare for the life long commitment of your marriage.

What happens at a wedding

The priest welcomes everyone present and reminds them of God’s purposes in instituting marriage.

There is a reading from Scripture and an address is given.

The bride and the groom promise to give themselves to one another “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.”

Wedding rings are blessed and exchanged as a sign of the vows that have been taken, and that the commitment is unending.

The priest blesses the married couple.

Prayers are offered by everyone present for the couple and their future together.

Planning your wedding service

At St John’s we use the services authorised by the Anglican Church of Australia. This includes options that allow you to personalise the service for your special day, through the choice of readings, music, prayers, etc.

Weddings can generally be held at times to suit you.  A rehearsal (in the church) is held a day or two before, when members of the wedding party are available.

We have a number of gifted organists and a fine organ, which can be complemented with soloists, singers and other musicians.

The church provides two flower arrangements, arranged by members of our church.  Lent is the penitential period leading up to Easter.  One of the marks of Lent is the absence of all flowers in the church building, therefore in Lent only one arrangement of flowers is provided.

You are welcome to decorate the pews, as long as decorations are fixed by ribbon or elastic only (no sticky tape, pins, etc). Confetti, rice, flower petals, etc are not allowed in the church or grounds. Your guests are welcome to blow “bubbles” in the grounds, after the service.

Photographs and videos are a wonderful way to record your special day. Your photographer and video operator are welcome and should introduce themselves to the Celebrant before the wedding.

Punctuality is important as there can be a number of weddings at St Johns on any given day.

Legally speaking

The Commonwealth Marriage Act governs all marriages within Australia. Failure to comply with all the necessary provisions of the Law involvesheavy penalties.

The minimum age for marriage is 18 years. Birth Certificates must be sighted by your Celebrant, as well as evidence of divorce or death from a previous marriage. It is an offence under the Marriage Act for any person to be married under duress, compulsion, or in any other way against his or her own free will. It is also an offence under the Act for any marriage to be solemnised if one or both of the parties to the marriage appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form at least a month and a day before your ceremony, and other statutory declarations are completed at the rehearsal. Your marriage is recorded both at the church, Registrar General ACT and you are given a Certificate of Marriage on the day.

Bookings

We strongly recommend you book your wedding at St John’s before making any other arrangements, such as reception venues.  We are confident that you can be married on the day you choose, but the time of day can sometimes be difficult. We operate on a ‘first booking – first preference’ basis for all our weddings.  Please print your invitations onlyafter the date and time of your ceremony have been confirmed.  A booking is made with a $100 non-refundable fee – please telephone 6248 8399.

Bookings for the marriage and relationship workshop, Making Love Last, should be made as soon as possible, directly with the St John’s Care Office (ph 02 6248 7771). A brochure and booking form are available from the Parish Office or St John’s Care.

Fees

The fee is $1,285.  This includes the Church, Celebrant, Verger (who assists the Priest), Organist, Bellringers, flowers, administration and preparation of certificates.

First payment (non-refundable booking fee) $100.
Second payment (payable at the first interview) $585.
Final payment (payable no later than 4 weeks prior to the wedding) $600.

The Marriage and Relationship Workshop Fee is $190 which is paid separately.  Download the pdf  brochure ‘Making Love Last’ for more details.  Marriage Workshop Brochure 2012