Marriage
Alstonville Anglicans welcome those who seek to be married.
Marriages conducted in St Bartholomew’s Church are celebrated according to the rites and ceremonies of the Anglican Church of Australia.
The Marriage service is a Christian ceremony in which the couple, with their friends and family, ask for God’s blessing on their married life together.
Permission to be married in the church is given by the Rector. The Rector will normally preside at all marriages. Other clergy may be invited to assist at the discretion of the Rector. Non-religious celebrants (i.e. Civil Celebrants) will not be given permission to preside.
The bride and/or the groom will be a baptised Christian and preferably a member of the Anglican Church. Both are encouraged to become regular worshippers.
Marriages are not celebrated throughout Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day inclusive, but weddings are permitted on Saturdays and weekdays during Lent.
The Order of Service used can only be an approved rite of the Anglican Church of Australia.
Couples are expected to participate in marriage preparation with appointed facilitators, or through other relationship counselling organisations.
The attire of the wedding party must be consistent with the solemnity and dignity of the occasion.
Should you wish to have your wedding take place in a location other than the church, permission will need to be sought from the Bishop. This will only be granted if it is an appropriate pastoral response for the couples’ particular situation. It is not the priest’s preference to conduct weddings outside the church but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Commonwealth Marriage Act requires that people who intend to marry give 31 clear days’ notice of their intention to a marriage celebrant by completing and signing “The Notice of Intention to get Married” (NOIM) form. The NOIM must be signed in the presence of the marriage celebrant. You will need to provide original Birth Certificates and proof of identification, usually a current driver’s license.
Divorcees: You will need to provide the priest with original copies of your decree absolute papers.
Music: You will have a choice of either having a pianist/organist play music during the service or alternatively you can select your own music and play a CD.
Readings: As the marriage takes place within a Christian service, scripture is read. The priest will make some suggestions in helping you choose the bible readings.
Photographer / Videographer: It is permitted to have a photographer and/or a videographer present during the service. They are permitted to use flash photography.
Confetti, rice, and flower petals: The use of paper confetti and rice is not permitted anywhere on the church property, but flower petals and potpourri are allowed outside the church.
The first step is to fill in the form and make an appointment to see the Rector - contact the office to set-up an appointment.
Get started by filling in the form below.