Weddings
We are pleased that you have chosen to share your wedding vows through our Church. We are open to assisting couples who wish to ask God to bless their wedding vows. We invite you to read the following information regarding how weddings are conducted within our Church community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our church office.
An Introduction
For persons professing Christian faith, the act of entering into marriage takes place in the context of friends and family as an act of worshipping God. The two make promises to each other, to the community and to God, that they will be together, come what may, "as long as we both shall live". Because of God's grace and faithfulness, human beings can enter such a covenant with faith, hope and great joy.
Christian Marriage: The Basics
We believe that Jesus Christ calls us, within services of marriage, to honour the equality and mutuality of the marriage partners. The common items required for a Christian marriage service are the worship of God, the reading of the Christian Bible, vows, prayers and blessing of the marriage. Other appropriate actions may also take place (example: lighting of marriage candles)
Sacred Music
Music (vocal, instrumental, congregational), because of its capacity to heighten the sense of celebration, is an important part of the marriage service. Our organist is available for consultation. If you wish to make other arrangements regarding music, please let us know.
Seating Accommodation
Cloverdale United Church’s worship space can comfortably seat 200 people and Hazelmere United Church’s space can comfortably seat 70.
Minister and Wedding Leaders
We feel that our United Church minister is the appropriate person to preside over your marriage service. If the regular minister is not available, another United Church minister will be provided.
Wedding Hostess
To ensure that your wedding service goes smoothly, we provide a wedding hostess to assist with the rehearsal and your wedding day. They will ensure that the worship space is open, and closed, as well as providing guidance and other assistance.
Photos and Video
Many couples wish to record their wedding service. Non-distracting methods of recording during the service will ensure needless distractions for you and your guests. For example, flash photos are not permitted during the service and video shall be from a fixed place or tripod.
Decorating the Worship Space
You may decorate the worship space, as long as you do not cause damage. Out of respect for our religious traditions and community, we request that you not remove banners, hymn books, candles, or other items of significance from our worship space. If you require clarification, please talk with the wedding host.
Marriage Preparation
Our communities have found that when couples intentionally prepare for their new marriage, they are better able to grow in their love and care for each other.Couples are required to take a marriage preparation course (or an equivalent course). Confirmation of course completion is required one month prior to your wedding day. Please find enclosed a pamphlet outlining various dates for courses and sign up as early as possible.
Government Issues
Before you can be married in British Columbia, you must obtain a Marriage Licence from the Provincial Department of Vital Statistics. You may obtain your licence either from its office at:
2nd Floor, #250, 605 Robson St.
Vancouver - V6B 5J3
Voice: 660-2937
or from a Deputy District Registrar & Marriage Licence Issuer:
Cammack & Co. MacNaughton & Ward Ltd.
#106 - 1656 Martin Drive #20 – 20160 Langley Bypass
South Surrey, B.C. Langley, B.C.
604-536-0652 604-534-5432
** We require your marriage licence one month prior to your wedding.
Fees and Deposits
Our fee of $600 is set for items related to wedding services at our church
(i.e Sanctuary Fee , Organist / Pianist/Sound System, Hostess & Minister)
To ensure that the date of your wedding is secure, we require a $50.00 deposit. The remainder of the fees shall be paid one month prior to the date of your wedding.
*Please note that the organist does not normally attend the wedding rehearsal. If the organist is required at the rehearsal, there is an additional fee of $25.00.
If you would like us to arrange for a Soloist, there is an additional fee of $100.00.
The Marriage Preparation Course fee should be forwarded directly to The Marriage Project.
Wedding Appointment
A wedding appointment should be arranged with the minister a number of months prior to your wedding date. At your wedding appointment, we will talk about what makes a good wedding service, as well as get to know you before your wedding day. It is also a great opportunity to answer questions not covered in this package of information.
Selections and changes to the service will need to be sent to the Church office one month prior to your wedding day.
Attendance at Worship Services
In order for our community to get to know you, and for us to feel that you are serious in your desire to enter into Christian marriage, we encourage all couples to attend Sunday worship for 3 or 4 Sundays. Many couples find that they enjoy worshipping God and become regular attendees.
Cloverdale United Church Sunday Worship 10:30 am (each Sunday)
Hazelmere United Church Sunday Worship 9:00 am (each Sunday)
We look forward to meeting you and sharing in the joy of your wedding day.
May God bless you both!
