Marriage
Marriage is an important occasion in the life of a couple. We count it a great privilege and joy to be involved in this foundational stage of a couple's relationship. We are committed to helping the couple understand the implications of getting married in accordance with the Christian tradition. We want to work with couples to make the engagement a time where they can grow closer together and to God who gives us the gift of love.
What Is Marriage?
Marriage is where two people: male and female, leave their parents, cleave to each other and become one flesh. Consequently they make a new family unit. The foundation is their faithful commitment to each other for life to love and serve each other. Marriage is a symbol of God’s unending love for us, therefore it is a life long commitment and a life of being utterly faithful. This means building a relationship that is exclusive and permanent where two people are committed to serving one another and being faithful for the rest of life. It is in that context that two people will enjoy the blessing, joy and security of married life.
How do we go about getting married at Mona Vale Anglican?
There are several steps you need to take:
Step 1 - Read the following information and fill out the form below.
Step 2 - One of the ministry staff will contact you to discuss the details and confirm availability.
Please note:
Step 3 - Following confirmation, arrange for a deposit to be paid within 2 weeks to hold a booking (see below for more details).
Step 4 - You will need to attend one of our Christianity Explored groups.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
The aim of the groups are to introduce you to the central beliefs of the Christian Faith, to explore who Jesus is and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about what we believe. We will also provide supper at these sessions.
While you are attending these sessions, we ask that you come to our Sunday church services as this will generate questions for you which can be discussed during the evening sessions. Our Sunday church services are 8am (Traditional style with Holy Communion), 10am (Family Service with creche and Children’s Church available) and 6pm (Informal and contemporary style).
Step 5 - Meet with one of the ministry staff to discuss and complete the necessary documentation.
The Australian Government requires all couples to complete and sign the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form within 1 year and not less than 30 days before the wedding. At the first interview the Minister must sight your Birth Certificates and Passports (if you have been issued with one); Citizenship papers if necessary, and other applicable certificates (such as Death certificates or Divorce papers). Please bring these with you to the first interview.
Step 6 - You and your wedding party meet with one of the ministry staff for a Wedding Rehearsal. These are usually held at 7:30 pm on the Thursday prior to the wedding.
Step 7 - GET MARRIED!!
What Types Of Service Can We Have?
There are two main Orders of Service to choose from in the Anglican Church, and these will be explained to you at your first meeting. You will also receive a copy of these services at that meeting.
It is important to remember that we are not at liberty to alter the text of the Service. However some variations to style and order are possible. But it does mean that there is no place in the actual Service itself for private statements or for readings from outside the Bible. These may be appropriate afterwards at the reception.
The printing of Orders of Service is not necessary, but most couples prefer to print copies for their guests. We have a number of previous Orders of Service available to you but your final draft must be sent to the church office for approval before you print it ([email protected]).
What about Music?
Music will need to be discussed at the first meeting. We have a very capable church organist who will play and to help you select suitable music for your wedding day.
The use of songs, singers and other instruments are all a matter for discussion however we expect that all songs used in the Service will reflect a Christian outlook and character. If you want to use recorded music, we are more than happy as long as you provide someone to operate the CD Player. We prefer that you use live musicians for the entry and exit music.
What about Photographs And Videos?
Weddings in Church buildings must preserve some important things. First, it is a service of praise and thanksgiving to God and great care must be taken to protect it from unnecessary distractions and intrusions. Second, the wedding day itself is more important than the pictures. Third, the guidelines for photography in our buildings are as follow -
What about Flowers And Pew Bows?
Flowers are an important part of your wedding day. You will be responsible for supplying the flowers for your wedding. A designated representative of Mona Vale Anglican will be happy to arrange suitable times to open the church building for your florist.
Please contact the church office concerning all flower arrangements.
There are two vases on the Communion table at the rear of the church building, and we ask you to supply flowers for these vases and leave them in the church for our Sunday Services.
There are also two pedestals upon which you may also wish to place arrangements. You are welcome to take these arrangements with you when you leave.
Flower arrangements should be in the church at least one hour prior to the service. We also have pew bows available for you to use. If you wish to use these please contact us to discuss using them. If you make/buy your own pew bows, please ensure they have elastic or velcro ties to fasten them to the pews since the pew ends are of various different widths.
What about Confetti, Rice, Bubbles, Petals And Candles?
The throwing of confetti and/or rice within the church grounds is not permitted. Please move to the grassed area for the throwing of petals or if you would like to blow bubbles. We are sorry but candles are not part of the tradition of Mona Vale Anglican.
What does it cost to get married at Mona Vale Anglican?
The church charges $1500 to cover administration costs, legal documentation, organist and interview time.
An initial non-refundable deposit of $200 will need to be paid at Step 3. To arrange for payment please make an Electronic Funds Transfer directly to our bank account and let us know once the payment has been made by emailing [email protected].
Bank Account Details
Bank: Westpac
Account Name: St Johns Anglican Church General Account
BSB: 032196
Account Number: 190307
Reference: Wed, Surname
What if we want to have another Minister Or Celebrant conduct the ceremony?
Some couples ask if they can have someone other than one of our ministry staff conduct their wedding service. Our policy is to allow other Anglican Clergy to conduct services, only after the request has been made to our Senior Minister. We do not allow the church to be “booked” by couples as a wedding venue.
We hope these guidelines help you prepare for your wedding day. We look forward to getting to know you and to play our part in this significant occasion.
What Is Marriage?
Marriage is where two people: male and female, leave their parents, cleave to each other and become one flesh. Consequently they make a new family unit. The foundation is their faithful commitment to each other for life to love and serve each other. Marriage is a symbol of God’s unending love for us, therefore it is a life long commitment and a life of being utterly faithful. This means building a relationship that is exclusive and permanent where two people are committed to serving one another and being faithful for the rest of life. It is in that context that two people will enjoy the blessing, joy and security of married life.
How do we go about getting married at Mona Vale Anglican?
There are several steps you need to take:
Step 1 - Read the following information and fill out the form below.
Step 2 - One of the ministry staff will contact you to discuss the details and confirm availability.
Please note:
- Due to demands of time and other ministries at Mona Vale Anglican we have allocated certain days and times in the year as to when we are available to conduct weddings. It may be your desired day and date is not available.
- Additionally, only Anglican ministers may perform weddings in our church.
Step 3 - Following confirmation, arrange for a deposit to be paid within 2 weeks to hold a booking (see below for more details).
Step 4 - You will need to attend one of our Christianity Explored groups.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
The aim of the groups are to introduce you to the central beliefs of the Christian Faith, to explore who Jesus is and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about what we believe. We will also provide supper at these sessions.
While you are attending these sessions, we ask that you come to our Sunday church services as this will generate questions for you which can be discussed during the evening sessions. Our Sunday church services are 8am (Traditional style with Holy Communion), 10am (Family Service with creche and Children’s Church available) and 6pm (Informal and contemporary style).
Step 5 - Meet with one of the ministry staff to discuss and complete the necessary documentation.
The Australian Government requires all couples to complete and sign the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form within 1 year and not less than 30 days before the wedding. At the first interview the Minister must sight your Birth Certificates and Passports (if you have been issued with one); Citizenship papers if necessary, and other applicable certificates (such as Death certificates or Divorce papers). Please bring these with you to the first interview.
Step 6 - You and your wedding party meet with one of the ministry staff for a Wedding Rehearsal. These are usually held at 7:30 pm on the Thursday prior to the wedding.
Step 7 - GET MARRIED!!
What Types Of Service Can We Have?
There are two main Orders of Service to choose from in the Anglican Church, and these will be explained to you at your first meeting. You will also receive a copy of these services at that meeting.
It is important to remember that we are not at liberty to alter the text of the Service. However some variations to style and order are possible. But it does mean that there is no place in the actual Service itself for private statements or for readings from outside the Bible. These may be appropriate afterwards at the reception.
The printing of Orders of Service is not necessary, but most couples prefer to print copies for their guests. We have a number of previous Orders of Service available to you but your final draft must be sent to the church office for approval before you print it ([email protected]).
What about Music?
Music will need to be discussed at the first meeting. We have a very capable church organist who will play and to help you select suitable music for your wedding day.
The use of songs, singers and other instruments are all a matter for discussion however we expect that all songs used in the Service will reflect a Christian outlook and character. If you want to use recorded music, we are more than happy as long as you provide someone to operate the CD Player. We prefer that you use live musicians for the entry and exit music.
What about Photographs And Videos?
Weddings in Church buildings must preserve some important things. First, it is a service of praise and thanksgiving to God and great care must be taken to protect it from unnecessary distractions and intrusions. Second, the wedding day itself is more important than the pictures. Third, the guidelines for photography in our buildings are as follow -
- Photographs may be taken when the bridal party arrives and enters the church building; when the party leaves, and when the couple sign the register;
- We ask that photographs not be taken during the prayers and while the couple are taking their vows;
- A video recording can be made. Please consult with the minister concerned about positioning the Recorder carefully.
What about Flowers And Pew Bows?
Flowers are an important part of your wedding day. You will be responsible for supplying the flowers for your wedding. A designated representative of Mona Vale Anglican will be happy to arrange suitable times to open the church building for your florist.
Please contact the church office concerning all flower arrangements.
There are two vases on the Communion table at the rear of the church building, and we ask you to supply flowers for these vases and leave them in the church for our Sunday Services.
There are also two pedestals upon which you may also wish to place arrangements. You are welcome to take these arrangements with you when you leave.
Flower arrangements should be in the church at least one hour prior to the service. We also have pew bows available for you to use. If you wish to use these please contact us to discuss using them. If you make/buy your own pew bows, please ensure they have elastic or velcro ties to fasten them to the pews since the pew ends are of various different widths.
What about Confetti, Rice, Bubbles, Petals And Candles?
The throwing of confetti and/or rice within the church grounds is not permitted. Please move to the grassed area for the throwing of petals or if you would like to blow bubbles. We are sorry but candles are not part of the tradition of Mona Vale Anglican.
What does it cost to get married at Mona Vale Anglican?
The church charges $1500 to cover administration costs, legal documentation, organist and interview time.
An initial non-refundable deposit of $200 will need to be paid at Step 3. To arrange for payment please make an Electronic Funds Transfer directly to our bank account and let us know once the payment has been made by emailing [email protected].
Bank Account Details
Bank: Westpac
Account Name: St Johns Anglican Church General Account
BSB: 032196
Account Number: 190307
Reference: Wed, Surname
What if we want to have another Minister Or Celebrant conduct the ceremony?
Some couples ask if they can have someone other than one of our ministry staff conduct their wedding service. Our policy is to allow other Anglican Clergy to conduct services, only after the request has been made to our Senior Minister. We do not allow the church to be “booked” by couples as a wedding venue.
We hope these guidelines help you prepare for your wedding day. We look forward to getting to know you and to play our part in this significant occasion.
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