Getting Married

Congratulations on your decision to get married!

Here in the Bedeque United Church, we believe a wedding is a unique experience which celebrates the love between a couple and in relationship with God. It’s our belief that marriage within the church is intended for those persons who believe in Jesus Christ. Coming before God and those assembled, you promise to love, cherish, and honour each other as long as you both shall live. This is a serious contract which we trust the marriage partners take with under-standing and commitment. We look forward to working with you to make your wedding and marriage everything you hope and dream for it to be.

The following information is intended to help you and us as together we prepare for your wedding. Please read it carefully!

Application Process

All couples wishing to be married in the Bedeque United Church must call the office and speak with the minister in order to book the church and confirm with the minister his/her availability. Their names shall then be presented to the Session of the Church for approval of the wedding before plans can proceed.  

Presiding Minister

The participation of another licensed clergy-person, who may be a family member or close friend, is also a possibility. This is arranged in consultation with our minister, who we require to be the presiding minister in a ceremony. If the date requested for your ceremony occurs while our minister is on vacation and is unable to officiate, another licensed minister may be invited to officiate. In this case, you must write or email your request to the Session, naming a date, the church, and the minister. Upon receiving the Session’s approval, it will be the guest minister’s responsibility to secure and safeguard the church marriage register, in consultation with the church office.

Marriage License

The couple must obtain a marriage license either at the MacMillan Building in Charlottetown or at Access PEI in Summerside. It’s wise to call ahead to find out the requirements and what you need to bring with you. Once you’ve been issued your license, it’s valid for three months and will be required to be passed into the church no later than the week before the wedding. 

Music

It is your responsibility to contact the church organists directly or to make other arrangements for music for your wedding. Organists’ names and phone numbers are available through the church office. The minister should be advised as to your arrangements as well as to your choice of music; hymns, solos, instrumentals. Please keep in mind your wedding ceremony is a religious ceremony. Therefore, it is recommended music be conducive to the worship of God. If, however, a popular song holds special meaning for you, in consultation with the minister, this may be sung or played during the signing of the register.

Church Decorations

Many couples now hire professional decorators or family and friends offer their services to decorate the church with flowers and pew markers, etc. Arrangements for the delivery of flowers and the decorating of the sanctuary must be made by calling the church office (902) 887-2003. When decorating pews or other structures or walls, no thumbtacks, nails, or staples may be used. Elastic or ribbon ties work well on the pews. No confetti may be used. Also it’s your responsibility to see that all decorations are removed following the ceremony, as there are usually church services the next day.  

Photographs 

Photographs during the ceremony may be taken solely by a professional photographer appointed by the couple to do so. People in attendance may not take pictures except during the processional into and the recessional out of the church, as well as during the signing of the register. A video camera mounted on a stationary tripod of in an unobtrusive space may be used.

Rehearsals

Normally rehearsals are held on the Thursday evening before the wedding day. Other arrangements may be made with the minister. It’s recommended all fees or honouraira be brought and distributed during the rehearsal.

Recommended Honouraria:

Minster $200

Organist $100

Janitor $75