Marriage Information

Congratulations on Your Upcoming Wedding!

If you are interested in marriage at Tottenham United Church, please contact our minister.

Rev. Dyanne Marlok
(905) 936-3091 (leave a message)
email: [email protected]

We welcome couples of all walks of life to be married in our church. Interested couples should contact the church 3-6 months in advance. Couples are required to meet with the Minister. Additionally, our Congregational Life Committee reviews all marriage requests.

The information provided below 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 provided. 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 plan 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. Please note that you would be required to provide your own Bluetooth speaker if playing music from a device.

Church Decoration

All arrangements concerning the decorating of the church should be made with the minister, in advance. This includes use of candles, pew-bows, flowers, etc. The use of confetti or rice in the church building or on the grounds is not permitted. Please note the church does not provide any decorations.

Photographs

Photographers/videographers wishing to record any aspect of the wedding service are asked to speak with the minister prior to the service. The photographer/videographer must be respectful while performing their duties and not interfere with the Minister or the service.

The Wedding Day

Anyone assisting guests to their seats should arrive 30 minutes before the wedding; the wedding party should gather at the pre-arranged place in the church approximately 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

Our church offers a hall and kitchen, for rent, 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 these arrangements.

Payment of fees is due at the time of booking your wedding, and only cash or cheque are accepted.

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.