Wedding Information 2011-2012

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! We're glad you are considering Robert McClure United Church for your wedding.
Here is some information to help you decide if Robert McClure is the right place for you.

Christian marriage

As you might expect we perform Christian wedding services here. This means that we call on the presence of God, read scripture and hear how God is active in marriage. God is involved and active in the marriage and scripture shows us how God supports marriage. We call on the Holy Spirit to be present in the ceremony and in your lives. We will work together to make the service reflect your faith and hope.
You do not have to be a member of this (or any) church in order to be married here.

Marriage Preparation

We require that couples participate in a marriage preparation seminar. One of the most useful and exciting ways a couple can strengthen their relationship is to set aside time together for a Marriage Preparation Seminar. This encourages the couple to examine together the issues they will encounter in their life together. The Marriage Preparation Seminars presented by the United Church of Canada are designed to build on the abilities and gifts that a couple brings to their marriage. The seminars provide helpful information and teach new skills for a successful marriage. The seminars are presented from a Christian perspective, respectful of all faiths.

Marriage Preparation Seminar brochures are available from the office or more information is available from The Calgary Presbytery Marriage Preparation Website.
Seminars take place one Saturday per month from 9am-4:30pm.

Robert McClure is an inclusive community of faith and as such, we support same gender marriage and extend our wedding services to couples of the same gender.
Please feel free to call our office to arrange an initial meeting with the minister.

General Information

Bookings and Meetings

We recommend booking early in order to secure the date and time you would like. A $125.00 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm and reserve your requested date and time. After your booking is confirmed, you will need two meetings with the minister. In these meetings you will have an opportunity to get to know the minister. This time will also provide an opportunity for you and the minister to design your ceremony together.
There will also be a rehearsal one or two days before the wedding.

Fee Schedule

The fee for a full church wedding is $850.00 total. This fee includes:
Use of the Sanctuary
Minister (Meetings, rehearsal, ceremony)
Musician (Consultation, ceremony)
Wedding Hostess

However, if you are interested in a very small, simple wedding (less than 10 guests), with no rehearsal and no music the fee is $250.00.
The fee for an offsite wedding is $250.00. This fee includes the services of the minister for the wedding service and a rehearsal.

Please make cheques payable to Robert McClure United Church. The marriage preparation class has a separate fee.

Legal Requirements

TThe marriage licence is to be obtained at the registry of your choice and delivered to the church one month before your wedding. The marriage licence document will remain in the possession of the church. After your ceremony you will receive a marriage certificate from the church. A government issued marriage certificate may be ordered at the registry if requested.
You will also need to provide the office with the full names and full addresses of your witnesses one month prior so that your forms can be completed at the church in a timely manner.

Sanctuary

The sanctuary will seat approximately 200 people and has a wide chancel which will accommodate a large wedding party.

Music

We have both a piano and a keyboard in the sanctuary. We have a wide variety of music available. Please contact the church office for the musician's phone number in order to plan your music selections in advance. The musician's fees will not be reduced if you choose to make other arrangements.

Photographs

Flash photography is only permitted during the processional, signing of the registry and recessional. Non-flash photography is permitted during the service.
At the conclusion of the service, the minister will be pleased to pose for any photographs you request.

Video Cameras

Video cameras are permitted. No artificial light is permitted other than during the processional, signing of the register and the recessional. The camera may be on a tripod and placed unobtrusively at the side or back of the sanctuary.

Rehearsal

The following people will need to attend the rehearsal: Bride and Groom, Maid / Matron of Honour, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer, Parents of the couple or those representing the parents.

Decorating

Placement of pew markers, flowers, candles etc. may be done by the wedding hostess prior to your ceremony. Please discuss your wishes with the wedding hostess at your rehearsal.

Other Information

The City of Calgary Bylaw restricts the use of confetti or rice outside. Flower petals and bubbles are permitted outdoors only. Smoking or alcohol is not permitted in the building.

Robert McClure United Church seeks to provide support and care beyond the wedding ceremony. We invite you to become involved with our church family, to grow and learn with us. We are pleased to be of service and hope your wedding day will be a blessed event that you will remember fondly.