WEDDINGS

St Augustine’s - a beautiful place for your wedding

MARRIAGE

We are delighted that you are seeking God’s blessing on your life together, and welcome the possibility of celebrating your marriage here in St Augustine’s.

THE PRACTICAL BITS
After your first meeting with our priest (these meetings are usually on a Saturday morning) he’ll help you through all the practical parts of the process - from the filling in of the legal forms, to the preparation of the order of service.

Here are some frequently asked questions –

WHEN?

St Augustine’s Church is available for weddings on most days of the year. St Augustine’s is not available on Christmas Day, Palm Sunday Easter Day, and some other dates. Sunday weddings attract a small surcharge. To avoid disappointment, please check early with Church Office.

WHAT IF WE ARE NOT ANGLICAN?

You do not need to be Anglicans to be married in here, but the Anglican Church requires that both (or at least one of you) be baptized Christians. For many people, this will mean having been christened as a baby. For others, this is an opportunity to explore the whole area of faith. What do you really believe about the world and life in the world? What values do I bring to this marriage? How will we live together as a married couple? How will we bring up any children of our marriage? The priest will be happy to listen to you, and help you address some of these big questions.

MUST AN ANGLICAN PRIEST MARRY US?

Only the Anglican marriage rite may be used in Anglican churches, and this must always be celebrated by an ordained and licenced priest. Clergy from other churches may be involved in various ways in marriages here by invitation of the Parish Priest, but may not perform the marriage itself.

WHAT ABOUT MUSIC?

Music needs to be discussed and arranged with Emma Hadwell, our professional Organist. Emma is a talented musician, and plays the historic St Augustine’s pipe organ at all weddings. Additional musicians and singers are always welcome, but arrangements need to be made with Emma well in advance. Recorded music is usually forbidden because quality cannot be guaranteed. No negotiations will be entered into to exclude the church’s Organist from any marriage.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

A donation of $1500 covers all the expenses associated with a church wedding, and also makes a contribution to the continuing ministry and mission of St Augustine’s. To secure a date and time, we require a non-refundable deposit of $150. This is payable by direct debit to the parish account, or cash. So that we can accurately identify your donation, please fill every description line in your direct deposit transaction, and write your surnames, and label it ‘Marriage Donation.’ The parish bank account details you require are:

Anglican Parish of Hamilton
BSB 704901
Account Number 00000210

WHAT ABOUT PHOTOS?

You are welcome to take photos and videos before, during, and after the ceremony, and the priest encourages this by arranging photo opportunities during the service – for example, when you are signing of the Marriage Register and other legal documents. It is a courtesy for professional photographers to introduce themselves to the priest so that they know in advance about opportunities for good coverage of your special day, and also necessary restrictions associated with this. We need to strike a balance between keeping the focus on you (not the photographer!), while obtaining a full photographic record.

WHAT ABOUT FLOWERS?

The cost of flowers is included in the marriage donation. You will appreciate that there are usually several church marriages in any week, which means we can have very attractive flowers specially arranged for these occasions by our expert Flower Guild. It is not possible to specify colours, but our flower arrangers are experienced in what best enhances St Augustine’s. Extra flowers may be added at your own expense, but only by special arrangement with the priest.

WHAT ABOUT INTER-FAITH AND MIXED FAITH MARRIAGES?

More often than not in 21st century Australia, couples will not both belong to the same religious family – both Anglican, to pluck an example out of thin air. It is far more likely that one will be Anglican and the other Roman Catholic, or one Christian and the other Muslim, or one or other or both may be a bit uncertain about their faith identity. Different cultures and belief systems should be seen as enriching your life together, rather than a problem, although different belief systems can cause issues down the track, particularly over the raising and education of children. It is advisable to discuss these issues between yourselves at the earliest possible stage rather than defer the issues. The priest will also be very happy to assist you in every possible way, and this is certainly no barrier!

HOW LONG WILL THE CEREMONY TAKE?

The average marriage ceremony happens within the space of 35 minutes. Your church booking is for one full hour, allowing plenty of time for photos afterwards in our beautiful gardens. Where your marriage takes place in the context of a Communion Service, the service will last approximately 50 minutes.

WHAT ABOUT PARKING?

Parking is available outside the church - either on Charlton Street, or in the church carpark off Racecourse Road. Please ensure that you do not block the driveway to the Rectory.

WHAT ABOUT CONFETTI?

Rose petals can be thrown outside the church, but not inside, but it is your responsibility to clean these up! They can be a health and safety issue, especially if it rains. Under no circumstances can paper confetti or rice be used. Please respect this - It is an expression of concern for our local environment. Bubbles are fine!

WHAT ABOUT REHEARSING?

The priest will arrange a full rehearsal for everyone involved in your marriage – bridesmaids and groomsmen, witnesses, readers, musicians, etc – a few days prior to the occasion. You need two witnesses, both over the age of 18 years. No other qualification is specified, and witnesses need not be family members.

WHAT NEXT?

Download and complete our Registration Form
Call or email Church Office to arrange to meet Fr Patrick
Bring your completed Registration Form with you to this meeting, together with original Birth Certificates and current Passports or Driving Licenses, and any other legal documents such as Divorce Certificates. If a previous marriage ended on the death of your partner, the priest will also need to see the Death Certificate.

CHURCH OFFICE

Located by the entrance to the Church Hall, 56 Racecourse Road, Church Office is open Monday to Friday 10am-12pm, and always welcomes visitors.

Alternatively, you can call Erayne on 07 3268 3935, or email at hamilton@anglicanchurchsq.org.au