Weddings

God established marriage that two people might have life-long companionship, that natural instincts and affection might be fulfilled in mutual love, that children might have the benefit of family life, and that society might rest on a firm foundation. We believe that marriage is part of God’s good creation and that it is not just a social institution governed by the laws of the land. We understand marriage as a gift from God, a means of grace. We believe it is God’s purpose that, as two people give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with the Church. Thus, it follows that we understand the wedding to be a worship service celebrating all that God has done and is doing, celebrating that as the couple express their love to each other, they are surrounded and supported by the love of their families and friends and by God’s love.

All requests for weddings will be made through the church office at 837-4321 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. A date and time will be confirmed on payment of a non-refundable deposit of $100. The booking will be held for a maximum of two weeks without a deposit. Weddings performed at Orleans United Church and by the clergy of Orleans United Church are approved by the Elders of the church.

A Minister will contact you for interviews. Should you wish to have a minister other than from Orleans United Church participate this can be discussed at that time.

Couples may expect to attend a series of interviews with the presiding clergy.

Ontario Law requires that an Ontario marriage licence be purchased and completed. The licence can be obtained from your city hall. The licence must be brought to the church one week prior to the wedding.

Those in regular attendance at church and not previously divorced may have the banns of marriage read at Orleans United Church instead of obtaining a marriage licence. If you wish to have the banns of marriage read please discuss this with the presiding clergy.

 For information regarding the fees for celebrating a wedding, please contact the church office at 613-837-4321. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required on reserving the church. The balance of fees is to be paid to the church office one week before the wedding.

 The ceremony may be held in either the sanctuary (seating 350) or in the Chapel (seating 50 – only piano available for music).

You should contact the music director three months prior to your wedding. The Music Director at Orleans United Church is responsible for the music at all weddings. Soloists, special music or guest musicians must be approved by the Music Director. There will be an extra charge for special music. If tapes or CDs are required there will be an additional fee of $75 for a sound booth operator.

The officiating clergy will arrange a rehearsal on Thursday or Friday evening for weekend weddings. The wedding party should arrive 10 minutes early. The rehearsal takes 30 to 60 minutes.

NO PHOTOGRAPHS will be permitted during the actual ceremony. Pictures may be taken as the bridal party comes down the aisle, as the register is signed and as the wedding party leaves the church. Guests will be informed of this policy. Videotaping may be permitted but arrangements must be made well in advance of the wedding.

You may provide floral decorations, which may be taken with you after the ceremony or left for the use of the church on Sunday. Flowers should be delivered ½ hour prior to the ceremony or at rehearsal. Pew bows will be available on request. No balloons are allowed in the church building. If you wish to take your flowers with you please arrange for someone to do so prior to departure from the church.

NO CONFETTI, RICE, FLOWER PETALS OR BIRDSEED are allowed inside or outside the church building.

A copy of guidelines for use of Orleans United Church facilities will be provided. In addition a host from Orleans United Church will be present to assist with managing the facility and provide information.

Revised April 2004