Marriage Policy

Guidelines for Weddings held at Nashwaaksis United Church

Congratulations!  We are pleased to be considered as partners with you as you make your preparations for marriage.  This brief outline provides you with the basic information related to a wedding ceremony at Nashwaaksis United Church.

Who May Be Married?

We understand marriage to be a spiritual covenant between two committed individuals.  We require that all couples take part in a recognized ‘marriage preparation course’, or its equivalent.  You do not have to be a member of the United Church or of this Congregation to be married here.  There is no obligation to become a member of our church if you seek to be married here, although you would be most welcome to worship with us.

What Are the Basic Steps?

Planning your wedding with us will begin when you make your request.  Following this request we will send you an information package.  This will include a letter of explanation, a personal information form, a ‘marriage preparation’ brochure and a request that you contact a member of our ministry team.  The Minister appointed to respond will become your primary contact throughout the process.  The date of your marriage will be confirmed at your first meeting with the Minister.  Please do not begin making plans for the service before this initial contact with the Minister.

Who Will Lead the Service?

One of our Ministers will be the primary consultant and officiant for your wedding.  There may be other arrangements made, but these will be in consultation with, and subject to the approval of our Minister.  We will consider the participation of recognized leaders from other spiritual traditions.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

We offer wedding ceremonies to any couple who meet the legal requirements set by the Province of New Brunswick.  The primary requirement is a marriage licence issued by Service New Brunswick.  The licence must be brought to the Church office at least two weeks before the day of the marriage.  This provides opportunity for the information to be transferred to the necessary documents and records kept by the Church or submitted to the Government.

What Other Persons Are Involved?

Music plays a significant part in a marriage ceremony.  We offer the services of our Church musicians for your wedding.  Once a date has been confirmed we will provide you with contact information for one of our Church musicians.  You will be expected to make contact with this person as soon as possible to determine their availability for the date you have chosen.  It will also begin the process of selecting your wedding music.  You may choose other musicians to participate in the service.  Music selection is subject to approval by the Minister and the Church musician.  Only qualified persons may use the Church organ, subject to the approval of our choir director/organist.

We will provide a basic sound system and operator for the service.  This makes it possible to employ recorded music as part of the ceremony, either in place of or together with live music.  As with the Church musician, we require early notification specific to sound system needs.

What Else Needs To Be Considered?

In most cases a photographer is designated to take pictures during the ceremony.  We allow one still and one video photographer during the actual wedding ceremony.  Guests may take pictures during the procession into and out of the Church.  They may not take pictures during the marriage ceremony.

We welcome a reasonable amount of decoration in the church for your wedding.  This includes the use of flowers, pew markers, candles and other symbolic articles.  Decoration is the responsibility of the couple.  This includes removal of the decorations following the ceremony.  No decoration may be used that requires alterations to the Church space or its furnishings, including the use of nails or thumbtacks. Also, seasonal decoration by the Church is not to be disturbed if your wedding is held at such times.

We do not permit the use of confetti or flower petals in the Church.  We suggest the use of bird seed or bubbles for ‘blessing’ the bride and groom when they leave the Church building.

Where Can A Wedding Be Held?

Your marriage does not have to take place in the Church.  We are willing to perform a marriage ceremony in your home, at some other venue, or outdoors.  There is no strict rule as to the details of the ceremony.  While some aspects are considered necessary, many of the particulars are open to negotiation.  We will do all that we are able to make your marriage meaningful and memorable.

Additional Information

There are fees you will be expected to pay for your wedding services:

Sanctuary $100
Minister $200
Musician $150
Custodian $100
Sound $100

* It is possible to rent additional rooms.

All fees must be paid in cash or by cheque and must be paid in full before the marriage date.

Revised June 2012/January 2014/April 2023
Approved by council January 21, 2014/April 19, 2023