Marriage Information

Congratulations on Your Upcoming Wedding!

The information provided in this pamphlet is to assist you as you consider celebrating your wedding vows at our Church. We want your wedding day and your marriage relationship to be filled with love, joy, and meaning, so we will make every effort to support and assist you in your preparations. Consider the expectations you have of your wedding and compare those with the information in this pamphlet. If you feel comfortable with our requirements and understanding of a wedding service, please contact our minister to begin the process of booking your wedding.

The Christian Church is involved in weddings not only to fulfill a legal function, but also to offer the opportunity for such a commitment of self-giving love to take place within the context of a service of worship. A wedding in a church is an expression of our faith and deepens our appreciation of God’s love and care for us as revealed through Jesus Christ. We suggest that you consider enrollment in a Marriage Preparation Course to assist you as you move into a new and deeper phase in your relationship. Information about these courses will be available from our minister.

When you meet with the minister, you will receive a service outline which, in consultation with the minister, you may personalize to best express your faith and commitment to one another.

The Rehearsal

We ask that you make arrangements for the rehearsal well in advance of your wedding date.  We find that it is helpful if all those directly involved in the service, such as the wedding party, ushers, readers, soloists and parents are present.

Our minister will be present for the rehearsal, will conduct your service and solemnize your wedding. Should you wish to include clergy from other denominations, there are a variety of opportunities in the wedding service for their participation.

Music

The music selected should be suitable for use in a place of Christian worship. Unless the Music Director is specifically requested, music is the responsibility of the couple getting married.

Church Decoration

All arrangements concerning the decorating of the church should be made with the minister and the caretaker. This includes use of candles, candelabra, pew-bows, flowers, etc. The use of confetti or rice in the church building or on the grounds is not permitted.

Photographs

Photographers/videographers wishing to record any aspect of the wedding service are asked to speak with the minister prior to the service. Photos may be taken during the processional, recessional, and signing of the register, but not during the service of worship.

The Wedding Day

The ushers should arrive 30 minutes before the wedding; the wedding party should gather at the pre-arranged place in the church about ten minutes in advance.

Marriage License

In order to be legally married in the province of Ontario, you need a valid marriage license. Marriage licenses can be obtained from the municipal clerk office of your city, town, village or township. The marriage license is valid anywhere in Ontario for three months from the date of purchase.

Please bring your marriage license to the rehearsal.

You will receive a record of marriage on your wedding day.  To receive an official government certificate of marriage you need to apply to the government of Ontario.  For more information about this, please consult the government website:

http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/MCBS/ENGLISH/marriages.htm

Fees

Both churches offer a hall and kitchen for a small reception. If you wish to book the church hall, please contact the Pastoral Charge Secretary to make arrangements.

Fees for church use and/or the Music Director will be discussed with you when you meet with the Minister.

Please note that Janitorial services are not included in the rental fees. You are responsible for ensuring that the church is left in the same condition in which you found it. If you wish to have janitorial services provided, please contact the Pastoral Charge Secretary to make this arrangements.

Payment for the church building is due at the time of booking your wedding. We request that one week before the wedding you submit the balance fees, in separate labeled envelopes, to the church office.

For weddings occurring either at Tottenham United or Rich Hill United churches, the following fees will apply:

Item Fee
Minister $250
Sanctuary $200
Hall – Tottenham $100
Kitchen – Tottenham $  60
Janitorial – Tottenham As Quoted

For weddings occurring outside the church, a $50 travel fee may apply in addition to the above.

Contacts for Tottenham Rich Hill Pastoral Charge

Pastoral Charge Secretary Jennifer Gilbert

(905) 936-3091 (Wednesdays only)

[email protected]

While sometimes our office hours are irregular, please leave a message and we will return your message as soon as possible.