Weddings may be held in the church building or outdoors. Uniting Church ministers are licensed to conduct marriage ceremonies outdoors at a place, date and time convenient to the couple and the minister. Alternatively you may wish to use the building only and use your own minister or a celebrant.

Procedures for arranging your wedding

First step: Contact Trevor Jennings
Contact

Initial Meeting
At the initial meeting there is an opportunity for the couple to get to know the minister and for the minister to get to know the couple. Any issues that may arise for the couple as they plan their wedding and as they plan to spend the rest of their lives together can be discussed.
The wedding ceremony is discussed. The couple will be given information and a pamphlet regarding marriage preparation and some copies of wedding ceremonies plus a copy of the Uniting Church wedding ceremonies. Copies can also be emailed if you wish.
 Download form
Couples are encouraged to thoughtfully create their own ceremony using the guidelines indicated by the minister. There is a lot of flexibility to produce a ceremony than is in line with your own personal beliefs and wishes.

Forms and Certificates
The Notice of Intended Marriage Form is completed and signed in the presence of the minister at the Initial meeting. The completed Notice of Intended Marriage form remains with the Minister until lodged along with the Marriage Certificate after the ceremony has taken place.
If the bride and groom wish to change either of their names when they marry. The minister can give you the appropriate form so that you can get an official wedding certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The minister has all the forms and certificates you will need.

Subsequent meetings
Subsequent meetings to discuss the ceremony or other issues may be made at anytime. The order of service is often completed by Email.

Wedding Rehearsal
A rehearsal is usually held during the week prior to the church wedding or on the Saturday prior to the outdoor wedding. At this meeting a declaration will need to be signed by the couple confirming that there are no prohibiting reasons why they may not marry. Not all the bridal party need attend.

The Wedding Ceremony
For outdoor weddings it is recommended to have a person assigned to marshaling the guests and liaising with the minister, musicians, singers, sound operators and caterers to ensure the smooth running of the event.

After the Wedding
Following the wedding the minister completes the certificates and mails them to Births, Deaths and Marriages. To obtain an official marriage certificate or to change a name contact www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/marriages/marriageCertificates.htm

At anytime during your marriage you are encouraged to contact the minister to discuss any issues that concern you about your marriage.

 
Organist and Music
St. John’s has a number of excellent organists and a very fine organ and piano. You may make arrangements with one of them or bring along other musicians and singers. If you require them to come to a rehearsal it is only fair that they be paid for this time too.

To find out more about the organ click here

Fees
Churches do not strictly charge fees for wedding ceremonies, but a donation to cover expenses such as the minister’s time, use of the church and the costs of forms is welcomed. A rough guide to donations is around $500. For use of the church alone a donation of around $350 is normally given.

Flowers
You may use your own florist and they can make arrangements with the minister for access to the church prior to the wedding.