Welcome to St Columba's
We welcome the possibility of you celebrating your marriage at St
Columba's, Scarborough. This leaflet is designed to answer your questions.
If you think you would like to take the next step and discuss these
matters further, please call or email the
Parish Office. We look
forward to meeting you.
Who can marry at St Columba's?
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be an Anglican although the
church expects that at least one of you is a baptised Christian. It is
usually possible to be married in the Anglican church after divorce.
Who can marry us?
Only Anglican clergy can preside at marriages in Anglican churches.
Usually this is a priest on the parish staff but other Anglican clergy are
welcome to celebrate marriages here at the invitation of the Rector.
Clergy of other churches are welcome to help in an Anglican marriage
service by preaching or leading the prayers.
Who cannot marry?
The Marriage Act lists reasons people cannot marry. The three main
reasons are —because you are married already, because you are under age,
or because you are forced to marry without your consent.
What documents do we need?
You must produce full birth certificates for both of you, and evidence of
baptism for one or both, together with divorce papers or a death
certificate where necessary.
What is the Notice of Marriage?
The Notice of Intended Marriage (the ‘Blue’ form) is a legal document
and comes into force once it is completed and signed by you both at least
a month before you marry.
What if one of us is divorced?
You cannot marry if you are married already. So you must be free under
Australian law - that is, your divorce decree must already be absolute. To
be married in church you need the permission of the Archbishop of Perth.
Bring your divorce papers with you to the initial meeting with the Parish
Priest who will discuss this further with you.
What will it cost?
No fee is charged for the pastoral ministry of the church offered by
the priest before or during the marriage ceremony. The Parish does need to
be reimbursed for expenses incurred - administration, cleaning,
maintenance, etc. The total cost, including a donation, is usually in the
range $250 to $500.
Is any preparation required?
It is essential to prepare for the celebration of your wedding and for
your subsequent married life together. You are asked to take part in a
short series of preparation sessions called
PREPARE.
Kinway offers this course (Ph 9263
2050). There is an additional charge for marriage preparation.
Can we make up our own vows?
The Anglican Church has authorised forms of service for marriage set
out in the Prayer Books. Within the prescribed forms, you personalise the
wedding by choosing special music, Bible readings and prayers.
Can we take photographs?
Photographers are welcome but must observe our guidelines. Video
cameras are permitted if they operate on a tripod from a single vantage
point. The video operator is responsible to obtain any copyright
permissions. No floodlighting is permitted. We prefer that flash is not
used—it can distract you and the priest.
Who prints the order of service?
You are responsible to print the service booklet. The Parish Office can
assist you with the originals and with printing at an additional
administrative charge of 10c per page.
When can we marry?
No weddings may be conducted close to Christmas or Easter. There may
also be restrictions on some days due to Christian feasts. Please check
with the Parish Office.
Can you supply flowers?
Flowers can be organised by the Parish Office. Our own flower arrangers
work to complement the beauty of the church building and produce excellent
displays. You are welcome to make arrangements with your own florist but
if you do that we ask that the flowers remain in church for Sunday's
services.
Can we use confetti?
Confetti in any form - paper, rose petals, or rice, is not permitted
under any circumstances in or around the church precinct. It Is too
difficult to clean up.
When is the rehearsal held?
A full rehearsal for everyone in your wedding party is usually held in
the week before the marriage at a time convenient to you and the priest.
What do we do next?
If you would like to find out more, please call the
Parish Office to make an appointment to see the Parish Priest.
A spiritual journey together
Marriage in church is not just a legal ceremony. It is an occasion for
celebrating the wonderful gift of love that God so freely gives us.
Spurred on by the hope that is given in Christ Jesus, our prayer for you
is that your life together is enriched by God’s love and immersed in the
joy and peace of God’s Spirit.
You may like to use this prayer...
God of love and life,
you give the gift of marriage as a symbol
of your amazing and unending love for us all:
as we prepare for our lifelong union together,
enrich our lives,
draw us into a unity of love and service,
and fill our days with joy and peace. Amen.