Weddings

Statement of Marriage

The Christian rite of marriage is a service of worship. Those who come as wedding guests are part of the worshipping community. In this act of worship, the congregation gathers to celebrate God's gifts and to seek, with the couple, God's blessing on their lives and on their relationship. Sunnybrook United Church welcomes all couples regardless of sexual orientation. Marriage worship services at Sunnybrook United Church follow a liturgy recommended by The United Church of Canada. Couples will be invited to share in the creation of the marriage worship service based on the following guidelines.

Marriage Policy

1.We encourage couples to become a part of our faith community, joining in Sunday worship, programs and activities prior to their wedding date and throughout their marriage.

2. The couple will meet with the minister to discuss the marriage worship service. Once the initial meeting has occurred, the date for the wedding can be booked.

3. All couples are expected to attend a marriage preparation course. The minister can recommend several options, such as Beginnings offered by Red Deer Family Services. Upon completion of a marriage preparation course, a subsequent visit with the minister will be arranged.

4. The selection of music for the wedding worship service is made, in advance, upon consultation with the church organist and minister. Taped music or karaoke style singing is more appropriate for the reception.

5. A rehearsal one or two days prior to the wedding date is recommended, with the day and time to be negotiated with the officiating minister.

6. Photographs may be taken only during the processional, signing of documents and the recessional. Videotaping the ceremony is permitted from a stationary position in the sanctuary to be arranged prior to the ceremony.

7. Due to problems associated with confetti or rice, the outdoor use of bubbles, birdseed and flower petals are recommended.

8. Discussion with the minister regarding decorations is recommended. If candelabras are used, the couple or designate is responsible to place plastic sheets under the holders. Pew markers can be attached on the cloth-covered pews by pins and on the wooden pews by elastics. No tape is permitted. The couple is to designate someone to take down and remove all decorations immediately following the service.

9. The total fee is $515.00. This fee includes honorariums to the resident minister and organist, clean up, church use and administration. In special circumstances, at the discretion of the ministers, these fees may be adjusted. A deposit of $200.00 is required to secure the date/time of the wedding, with $100.00 non-refundable. The balance of the deposit is refundable only if Sunnybrook United Church receives a minimum of 30 days notice of cancellation. The balance of the fee is due at least two weeks before the wedding date. Any additional or sundry costs (e.g. soloist, candles, flowers, wedding bulletins) are the responsibility of the couple.

10. The marriage license should be brought to the church office at least two weeks before the wedding date. The couple is encouraged to apply for their marriage license as soon as they are within 90 days of their wedding date.

11. The current ministers at Sunnybrook United Church will officiate the marriage worship service. To have other clergy involved, discussion with the officiating minister must occur.