GETTING MARRIED AT
BETHEL UNITED CHURCH

Congratulations on your decision to get married. We are pleased that you are considering having this significant event in our church. Let us explain the expectations of the church for those who use our facilities for their wedding.

A Church Wedding
A church wedding is two things: a legal ceremony and an act of worship. In it we pray for a sense of God’s presence and ask for God’s blessing on the couple being married and on family life in general. The wedding may be quite large and formal, or small and informal, but this religious element is essential if it is to be in the church.

The Role of the Minister
The first step in arranging for a wedding is to contact the minister at the church office, 343-6085. He will arrange a first interview and the booking of the church. Please attempt to do this well in advance. The minister, in the interviews with the couple, has several objectives in mind. He must go over legal requirements, fill in a marriage registration form, and go over the service. In addition, he will want to spend enough time to get acquainted with you. We encourage couples to take part in Marriage Preparation courses which will be recommended. Since marriage is one of life’s most important decisions, it would seem obvious that we should be willing to spend time and energy on it.

Legal Requirements

Licence - Before you can be married you must obtain a licence from any jeweller in Saskatchewan. A licence is valid for three months.
Publishing of Banns - Where one or both of the parties to the wedding is active in the congregation, it sometimes happens that the banns of marriage are read in church prior to the date of the wedding.
Witnesses - The Marriage Act states that two adult (18 and over) credible witnesses must be present at a wedding and sign the marriage registration, the marriage certificate and the church record.

The Church Service
The minister will go over with you the elements of the marriage service and help you decide about several choices within the service.

Accommodation
The church can seat up to 280 people, but is also suitable for smaller weddings.

Marriage Certificate
Following your wedding the minister will give you a signed marriage certificate. In addition, you may obtain, for official purposes, a copy of the marriage registration approximately a year following the marriage from:
Information Services Corp of Sask
Vital Statistics
PO Box 2405 STN MAIN
Regina, SK S4P 9Z9
Telephone: 1-866-275-4721
Website: www.ISC.ca/vitalstats

Photographs
To avoid distraction from the sacredness of the wedding service, we request that no pictures be taken during the ceremony. Pictures may be taken as the bride comes down the aisle, and as the couple returns down the aisle. A picture may be taken during the service from the balcony with time exposure (no flash). Any video taping must be unobtrusive and use no extra lights.

Ushers
Your ushers should be on duty at the church door one hour before the time of the wedding to receive and seat guests.

No Confetti Please



Flowers
You make your own arrangements about flowers. Due to allergies, no lilies, please. There are wooden stands in the sanctuary which may be used.

Music
The church organist is available for weddings. She is prepared to meet with couples and help them choose suitable music for the ceremony. If there is a soloist involved, a practice will be arranged. (If extra practices are needed, an additional fee is to be paid to the organist.) One or more hymns can be a very valuable part of the wedding ceremony, and a good way of involving the guests in the service. There are a number of hymns that are suitable. This may be discussed with the minister and/or the organist.

Fees
Our policy is that because a wedding ceremony is a service of worship, it is not available for rent or purchase, but a donation is requested for the use of the church premises and staff. The amount suggested is a total of $425.

Bethel Church also has two large brass candelabra (14 candles) that can be used for the $15 cost of the special candles.

The License and money for the fees should be left at the church office one week prior to the rehearsal. (One cheque payable to Bethel United Church.)

Following the Wedding
We are happy to have been asked to share in this important occasion in your lives. We wish you a meaningful wedding service and every happiness together.

After the wedding we hope that you will continue the relationship you have established with this church and will participate in the life and work of the congregation.



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Brochures are available at the church.