Marriage

St John’s East Malvern welcomes enquiries about the celebration of marriage. Our Church is classified by the National Trust and provides a lovely and traditional setting where the meaning of the marriage service can be beautifully expressed.

Who may be Married at
St John’s

St John’s is a parish church with an obligation to serve its local community of East Malvern/North Caulfield (post code areas 3145, 3146 and 3161). However, St John’s is often able to accommodate weddings for people beyond this area, especially where there is already a family or personal connection with St John’s. At least one of the couple must be baptised (usually within the Anglican Church).

Booking a Wedding

The first step is to make contact with St John’s Office (Tel. 9571 6616 - preferably on Tuesdays or Fridays 9am - 3.30pm) or by email to secretary@stjohnseastmalvern.org.au to see if a particular date and time can be pencilled in as a preliminary booking. The second step is to make a time to meet with the Vicar, usually 6 to 12 months before the proposed wedding and then, if desired, to confirm arrangements. At this point, a NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $100 is required to confirm the booking and assist with administration costs (cheque payable to ‘St John’s Church – Vicar’s Discretionary Fund’).

Marriage Preparation

All couples getting married at St John’s take part in a professionally run Marriage Preparation Programme. Information is provided for several types of programmes either in a group or for an individual couple. This should be undertaken several months before the wedding. Course costs are not part of the wedding fees.

Interviews

There are at least four interviews with the officiating clergy,
  (1) to discuss wedding arrangements and complete legal documents,
  (2) to work out details of the wedding service,
  (3) to discuss the meaning of marriage,
  (4) as a rehearsal for the wedding.

Church Attendance

In choosing a beautiful church for a service of marriage, couples are encouraged to enjoy its atmosphere in advance of the wedding by attending the 9.30am Sunday Service. The church is above all a community of people. We look forward to getting to know you and to support you as you venture into married life. If you have not been baptised and/or confirmed and would like to be, or if you would like to find out more about membership of the church, do let us know.

Remarriage of Divorced Persons

• When someone’s previous marriage has broken down, marriage in the Anglican Church is only possible after pastoral discussion with the officiating clergy, who must obtain permission from the Bishop in order to conduct the marriage.

Documents Required

1. Notice of Intended Marriage

This form needs to be completed by the couple and the officiating clergy no more than six months and no less than one month prior to the intended date of the marriage. The form requires the full names of your parents (including your mother’s maiden name) and their countries of birth.

2. Baptism and/or Confirmation Evidence

Evidence of the baptism and/or confirmation of at least one party should be provided.

3. Birth Certificates

The officiating clergy must see your original Birth Certificate or Extract of Birth, or a Statutory Declaration regarding your birth details.  This evidence may be confirmed by showing the clergy a current passport.

4. Consent for Minors

A special form must be completed for anyone under the age of 18 years.

5. Evidence of the Termination of a Previous Marriage

If a person has been divorced or widowed, the officiating clergy must see the Decree Nisi from when the divorce became Absolute, or the Death Certificate.

Music

In our traditional church building with a pipe organ, to have appropriate music is an important aspect of the wedding service. The Organist plays before the service, at the entrance of the bride, during the signing of the registers and for the procession out of the church. One or two hymns may also be chosen but need to be familiar tunes as your guests are expected to take part in the singing. Hymns are not obligatory. Recorded music and popular romantic songs are best reserved for the wedding reception as they cannot be part of the wedding service at St John’s. Some couples like to engage a soloist or a small choir (a rehearsal with the organist will be necessary). The words of songs or hymns chosen must be either a prayer addressed to God or a poetic expression of a Christian understanding of marriage. These and other music arrangements can be discussed with the Organist (Contact details at end of this document).

Order of Service

The central part of the Anglican wedding service is laid down, but there are other elements to choose from. The service is normally from "A Prayer Book for Australia" (full edition). A Service for Marriage, Second Order Page 655. Booklets can be provided, or you may wish to have your own order of service printed. We can provide a master (laser printed or on disc). Details of the service are worked out in consultation with the clergy. One or two of your guests may act as readers. Orders of service may be given out by ushers.

Flowers and Ribbons

The floral arrangements at St John’s are of a high standard. Only members of the church Sanctuary Guild are permitted to provide floral arrangements. Funds donated in connection with a wedding are a contribution towards the cost of these flowers which will then remain in the church. Consultation about flowers blending into a colour scheme is welcome, usually 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Extra flowers can be included, but may involve a higher cost. Ribbons can be provided for the pew ends, or you may like to provide your own (to be tied or attached with Blu-tack only). For discussion regarding the flowers see Contact details at the end of this document.

Bell

The bell in the tower is rung by the Verger on the arrival of the bride and after the wedding.

Confetti and Rice

If confetti or rice is used it is best used well away from the church entrance. There is no restriction over the use of pot pourri

Photography and Videos

To maintain the dignity of the service and to prevent distraction during the making of the marriage vows, flashlight photography is not permitted during the service. The use of fast film from a suitable distance is permitted. Flashlight photography is permitted while entering the church, during the signing of the registers (when photographs may be posed) and while processing out of the church. Videos are permitted so long as they are at a discreet distance and without extra lighting.

Witnesses

Two legal witnesses (aged 18 years and over) should be chosen to sign the wedding certificates. Often they are the best man and the senior bridesmaid. Their full names must be provided to the officiating clergy.

Rehearsal

A rehearsal is held at an agreed date and time, usually in the early evening two or three days before the wedding. It involves the members of the wedding party - the couple, bridesmaids, groomsmen and the person accompanying the bride. The couple is required by law to sign Declarations during the week before the wedding – this normally takes place at the rehearsal.

Fees are payable in full at the rehearsal, either by cash or by cheque payable to ‘St John’s Church - Vicar’s Discretionary Fund’.

Wedding Fees (GST is included where applicable)

Contacts

Parish Office: Tues, & Friday, 9.20am-3.20pm
Telephone 9571 6616   Fax 9572 4662
E-mail secretary@stjohnseastmalvern.org.au

Vicar: Fr. John Baldock Telephone 9571 6616
5 Finch St, East Malvern 3145 Fax 9572 4662
E-mail vicar@stjohnseastmalvern.org.au

Director of Music: Mr Bruce Fethers  0417 124 328
                                    email: Bruce.Fethers@minimaestros.com.au

Flowers: Mrs Judith Jobling Telephone 9571 1315

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© St John's Anglican Church, East Malvern, 2000

7 Finch Street, East Malvern 3145
Ph: 9571-6616
Fax: 9572-4662
email: vicar@stjohnseastmalvern.org.au