Wedding - Taree Anglican Church

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is Jesus’ loving act of uniting a man and a woman in a relationship of love and service. The Church of St John the Divine is one of the most beautiful sacred places in Australia, and weddings at the ‘Blue Cross Church’ are memorable occasions. The symbol of Christian marriage is the holding of hands. After the bride and bridegroom have exchanged solemn vows, the priest places a hand on their joined hands. This reminds them that in Christian marriage there are three parties; the man, the woman and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Anglican Parish of Taree welcomes enquiries about the celebration of marriage and looks forward to working with you to create a memorable occasion.

Marriage is a voluntary commitment to the lifelong union of a man and woman to the exclusion of others. Marriage is also a sacrament where the couples receive God's help to be able to share fulfilled lives together.

Booking your Wedding …

Organise a time to meet with the Parish Priest, usually 6 to 12 months before the proposed wedding to confirm arrangements and to start preparing for the wedding service. We then generally arrange follow up meetings to discuss wedding arrangements, complete legal documents, work out details of the wedding service and complete marriage preparation.

Location …

Our beautiful Church provides the perfect setting for a Wedding. As a church is about more than just the building perhaps you might like to attend a service and meet the Parishioners. The Anglican Church does allow Weddings outside Churches, and this is one of the details you should discuss with the priest

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 about our faith or religious background..

You do not need to be an Anglican although the church expects that at least one of you is a baptised Christian. If you have not been baptised and/or confirmed and would like to be, or if you would like to find out more about membership of the church please speak to us.

What if you have been previously married …

You cannot marry if you are married already but generally it is possible to be married in the Anglican Church after divorce. You must however be free under Australian law - that is, your divorce decree must already be absolute and you will need to bring your divorce papers with you to the initial meeting with the Parish Priest who will discuss this further with you.

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 after notifying the Parish Priest. Clergy of other churches are welcome to help in an Anglican marriage service by preaching or leading the prayers.

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 if you were previously married.

What is the Notice of Marriage?

The Notice of Intended Marriage is a legal document and comes into force once it is completed and signed by you both at least a month before you marry.

When can we marry?

When deciding on a date for the wedding, it is important to contact the Clergy before making other arrangements, as the church may be booked already, or a priest unavailable. Weddings are not permitted in Holy Week (the six days before Easter, between Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday).

What will it cost?

There is an offering of thanks for the Church. Couples are encouraged to make a significant offering of thanks which will help to meet the ongoing costs of running the Parish.

There may be other costs, such as for an organist, flowers in the church, and the cost of the 'Prepare' inventory, Priest and preparation and paperwork. The fees which are discussed with you and your Priest at your initial meeting.

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.

Can we make up our own vows?

The Anglican Church has authorised forms of service for marriage set out in its 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. Photographers and video operators should attend the rehearsal or speak to the Priest to discuss suitable arrangements.

Can you supply flowers?

Couples can make their own arrangements. The Parish can help, if required. You are welcome to make arrangements with your own florist.

What can we do for Music?

The regular church organist can play for weddings. Hymns and solos and recorded music is often used so discuss this with the Priest.

Ushers and Readers

Ushers (preferably two) are required to welcome and assist in distributing the order of service.

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 held in the week of the marriage at a time convenient to you and the priest, usually a day or 2 before the Wedding.

Your 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.