OUR MARRIAGE GUIDELINES
Marriage is a significant life-changing event for each of you, and we are pleased you have asked us to be a part of this very special occasion in your lives. Planning and decision-making are very important for making your wedding day one to be treasured and remembered. Many questions arise as you make your plans, so we offer these guidelines to assist in your planning, specifically as it relates to the marriage ceremony in our church. Please take the time to read through the brochure, and complete a Marriage Ceremony Request Form. Upon completion, return it to the church office and an appointment for your consultation with our Minister will be made. (Please email gibsonmemorial@nb.aibn.com to request a form.)
BOOKING YOUR WEDDING
Your wedding was tentatively booked when you made your initial contact with the church office, but it must be approved by the Minister before it can be officially booked. Your initial consultation with the minister will enable him/her to get to know you better so that he/she will be able to make an appropriate decision regarding your request to be married in our church. While our minister seldom refuses to marry any couple, it is important to inform you that he/she has the right to do so for either professional or personal reasons.
THE MINISTER
The Minister of Gibson Memorial will perform all weddings in our church, and he/she is here to assist and guide you in your planning. You are encouraged to ask any question you may have, and the minister will be pleased to assist you with all details pertaining to the wedding ceremony. Other clergy, family members, or friends are permitted to take part provided it is cleared with our Minister well in advance.
THE LICENSE
Every person being married in New Brunswick must be at least 18 years of age, and each couple being married is required to have a marriage license which is obtainable by appointment at any Service New Brunswick Centre and will include a license fee. The Marriage License is valid for three months from the date of issue and should be given to our Minister at least two weeks prior to the wedding day.
WITNESSES
Each marriage is required to have two adult (19 years or older) witnesses. These witnesses are required to sign official marriage documents immediately following the wedding ceremony.
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
The marriage ceremony will be in keeping with the liturgies of the United Church of Canada. While the Minister is open to slight modifications, it is important to remember that your wedding in the church is a service of worship to God, and all that is done should be appropriate to that context. Non-religious or secular ceremonies will not be performed in the church, but may be performed at another location if the Minister agrees. You will receive copies of the standard marriage services during your initial visit with our minister.
MUSIC
Music is an essential component of your wedding ceremony so it is important to select it with care. The organist of Gibson Memorial will play for all weddings, and you will be expected tocontact her/him immediately following your initial meeting with the Minister. She/he will guide you in your music selections to ensure they are in keeping with a religious ceremony. If our church organist is unavailable on the date you have chosen, she/he can assist you in choosing an appropriate substitute.
TIMING OF YOUR WEDDING
This is entirely your choice provided the sanctuary is not previously booked for the date and time you have chosen. However, for summer weddings the minister and organist may be on vacation on the date you have selected. If this happens, any alternate arrangements will have to be approved by the minister before the booking can be confirmed; and in the absence of the minister, approval must be obtained from Church Council.
WEDDING REHEARSAL
Normally, a rehearsal takes place on the evening preceding the wedding. The rehearsal ensures that those participating in the ceremony will feel more comfortable with their part. Only the wedding party (those with a part in the actual ceremony) need attend the rehearsal.
DECORATIONS
These are options rather than necessities. Should you decide on decorations, flowers and pew markers may be set in place following the rehearsal provided a previous wedding is not scheduled earlier than yours the next day. If you wish to decorate at another time, arrangements will have to be made through the church administrator during normal office hours. Please note: Pew markers must be secured by means other than ‘Scotch Tape’ or ‘Tacks’. The decorations must also be removed immediately following the ceremony.
CANDLES
Many couples request permission to light candles as part of their wedding ceremony. Candles will be allowed at the front of the sanctuary provided they will be used as part of the marriage service, and are placed in safe holders or a candelabra. The provision of these items, as well as a lighter, are the responsibility of the bride and groom. Candles of a purely decorative nature will be permitted only if they are to remain unlit, or are battery operated.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS
Pictures during the ceremony will be limited to those authorized by the minister, and will be taken by the official photographer only. Picture taking by others is welcomed during the Bridal procession, the signing of marriage documents, and the recessional. Video taping may be done by a designated video camera operator. He/she should attend the rehearsal to check electrical requirements and locations for taping.
THE RECEPTION
You are not expected, nor is it required, to invite the Minister to your reception. Even If the minister is invited, various factors may prevent him or her from attending. The Minister assumes, that unless she/he is specifically invited in advance, she/he is not invited.
WEDDING BULLETINS
You are responsible for purchasing and producing your own bulletins. The Minister will be glad to provide you with the worship outline for the bulletin, and offer other suggestions if requested.
FEES AND HONORARIA
Weddings are not included as part of the regular duties of any of our church staff, including the Minister. Consequently there must be remuneration for their services. Also, there is a fee for the use of the facility.
