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Sanctuary

The Celebration of Marriage at Sydenham Street United Church

Minister: Elizabeth Macdonald
Music Director: Charlie Walker
Secretary: Ruth Ranson
Custodian: Judy Chown



We at SSUC believe and affirm:

    • Human beings are created in the image of God, with the desire and capacity not only to love, but to commit to a life-long partnership with one who is lover, friend and companion. This loving commitment or covenant must be based on mutual respect and trust.
    • Same-sex couples are as welcome to be married here as heterosexual couples. We celebrate marriage as an institution in which two people- a woman and a man or two women or two men- can live their love and their life-long commitment to each other. We seek God’s blessing on all those who marry, so that they may live the vows they make on their wedding day.
    • In this imperfect world, not all promises are kept and not all marriages last. We are ready to support those who, after healing from past hurts and learning from past mistakes, are ready to commit themselves to a new life partnership.
    • The impact of marriage is enormous, and hopefully will offer each couple a secure, safe, loving environment in which they can continue to grow and become all they can be and make a positive difference in the lives of their friends and family and in the wider world.
    • Getting married is a bold and daring step! We at Sydenham Street United Church are glad to support and guide you in the planning and preparation of your wedding; and then to celebrate with you as you make this significant life-commitment. We pray you will open yourselves to God’s blessing all along the way.

Booking Your Wedding

The first step in booking your wedding is to meet with the minister which can be arranged via email or telephone. Normally it is not possible to arrange a wedding in less than one month.

If you want to change the time or date of your celebration after it has been booked, please call the Church Office. SSUC facilities are in constant demand.

Meeting with the Minister

Your first visit with the minister is an opportunity for you and the minister to get to know each other and for you to find out about wedding practices at SSUC. Be sure to bring any questions you have.

Once your service has been booked, you have three options:

    • You can meet with the minister 2-4 times to discuss various issues related to life-long, committed relationships.
    • Or you can take a marriage preparation course.
    • Or you can combine both these options: take a marriage prep course and meet with the minister

One month before your wedding, you will meet with the minister to plan the wedding service. Please bring your fees and marriage license with you to this meeting.

The Service

You will receive a resource that allows you to shape your service and choose various elements. Please make and return your choices no later than two weeks before the service.

You are welcome to invite a friend or family member to read or offer a prayer. Confirm their involvement with the minister.

Requests to involve other ministers will be considered by the minister and SSUC Worship Committee.

Music

SSUC’s Music Director plays for church weddings and is happy to choose appropriate music. It is the couple’s responsibility to contact the Music Director at least one month before their service by calling 530-2438. Plan to spend about an hour with the music director to choose your music. If you have any special music requests confirm with the Music Director and Minister well before hand, and be ready to provide the sheet music. Last minute requests for special music cannot be accommodated.

A soloist can be arranged by the Music Director. There is an extra fee of $30 per hour for rehearsal time with a soloist or to prepare difficult music.

Consult with the music direct if you wish to involve other musicians. You will be charged the music director’s fee even if he does not play.

Rehearsal

Arrange the rehearsal time with the minister. It is usually held the Friday evening before the wedding and lasts about one hour. All attendants, ushers, both sets of parents and anyone participating in the service are expected to attend. The minister and custodian facilitate the rehearsal.

Flowers

Flowers for the sanctuary are the couple’s responsibility. Arrange the time of delivery with the Church Office to ensure the church is open. You are welcome to take the flowers with you at the end of the service, or you may wish to leave them for the congregation to enjoy during Sunday worship.

Other Extras

Couples are welcome to bring their own pew bows, or use Sydenham Street’s. Please consult with the custodian about how to attach them to the pews.

Candles may be included in the service, in consultation with the minister. It is the responsibility of the couple to provide candles. Sydenham Street has two candelabras which can be rented for $35.00.

Photography/Videography

Photographs may be taken while the wedding parties walking in and out of the sanctuary, and during the signing of the register. No pictures may be taken during the service. A stationary video camera using available light is allowed. The videographer is encouraged to come to the rehearsal to determine, in consultation with the minister and custodian, a suitable location for filming.

Fees

$815. Sanctuary $ 665. Chapel

The specifics of these fees will be discussed at your first meeting with the minister. More information on the Sanctuary and rental facilities