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Weddings
We are pleased that you have chosen to celebrate your
marriage ceremony at Fairlawn Avenue United Church.
This pamphlet should answer many of your questions
about the service; if you need additional information,
please contact the church office, allowing as much lead
time as possible.
Weddings at Fairlawn are usually conducted by
our minister. If you have another minister, not
affiliated with this congregation, who you would like to
conduct your service, please contact the church office.
The invitation will be formally extended by our office on
behalf of the couple.
All dates, times, and details of the service must be
discussed with the appropriate Fairlawn staff in
order to avoid misunderstandings. It is important that all
parties have this information in writing.
Couples seeking to be married at Fairlawn are
expected to participate in some form of Marriage
Preparation. This may be informally, with the minister
officiating, or formally, at a course given for that purpose.
Your marriage license may be obtained from the Issuer of
Marriage Licenses at any city hall. It can be dated no
more than three months before the wedding. You must
submit your license to the church office no later than
two weeks prior to your wedding date.
***** Confetti is not permitted anywhere
on church property ******
Form of Service
The marriage ceremony is a Christian worship service.
There are, however, many possibilities for variations and
involvement, including interfaith services, which should be
discussed with the officiating minister, who shall have
final authority.
Fairlawn recognizes all marriages allowed by the
Ontario government. In doing so, the ministry staff
perform marriage ceremonies within the church building
and off site. Consultation with the staff to celebrate each
couple’s cultural and spiritual background is encouraged.
You may be interested in having a printed order of
service. Please consult with the minister about this.
Music
Music should be selected which is appropriate to a
service of worship. Arrangements for music or soloists
from the church are made with the Director of Music.
Please contact our Director (not the minister) to discuss
all aspects of the music selected well in advance of your
wedding day.
Rehearsal
A rehearsal is required for all but the smallest of
weddings and is normally held no more than two days
before the ceremony in order that directions remain fresh
in the minds of the participants! Please ask all parties to
be present and on time.
Church Decoration/Candelabra
The use of pew markers is permitted as long as no nails
or tacks are used to attach them. The church provides
candles and candelabra (if desired) for the pews along
the centre aisle and the chancel, for which a fee is
charged.
Flowers
Flowers may be placed on the flower stands at the back
of the chancel or on either side of the chancel steps, or at
floor level in front of the communion table (but not on the
table itself). Chancel furniture may not be moved. Please
check with the church office two weeks before your
wedding to confirm that your flowers and pew markers, if
any, will be delivered at a time when the church is open.
All floral arrangements must be constructed off site and
be capable of installation within one hour and removal
within a half hour of the actual service.
Photographs/Video
Photographs are permitted by anyone as the procession
moves up and down the aisle. However, during the actual
ceremony and signing of the register, only the assigned
photographer/videographer is permitted to take photos/
videos, and this must be done without flash and without
moving in front of the congregation. If time permits,
posed photos may be taken in the church after the
ceremony. Please make arrangements with the minister
at least one week prior to the day.
Sound System
The Sanctuary sound system may only be used with the
permission of the Administrator/Worship Council, and it
may only be operated by a church-approved, trained
operator. A fee for the use of the sound system and an
honorarium for the time of the operator will be
determined by the requirements of the applicant.
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