Weddings

General Information

The Parish of Kaiapoi has four churches within its boundary. St Bartholomew's, Cass St, Kaiapoi. St Augustine's, Island Rd, Clarkville; St Thomas' South Eyre Rd. and St Albans, Mill Rd, Ohoka. They are all unique and have historical associations in the district. To arrange to look at any of the churches please phone the vicar.

Marriages are performed in our churches where the bride or groom lives in the Parish of Kaiapoi. There may be occasions where through previous association with the parish, or for other reasons, a couple who live elsewhere wish to be married here. It is necessary to discuss this with the Vicar.

A "Church Wedding" needs to be appropriate to the couple. It need not be a large occasion; it need not involve any attendants; it need not be a traditional white wedding it could be a very small and informal occasion. Anyone is welcome to attend the wedding service in the church whether or not they have been invited to the reception.

Please note that the vicar is available to officiate at weddings, at locations other than the parish churches.

Date and Time of your Wedding

The date and time of the service are to be arranged with the vicar Shirley Bennett, phone 327 7084. Our churches are not usually available for weddings on Sundays before 12 noon. The Vicar of Kaiapoi, or another Anglican Priest will take your marriage. Other people may help during the wedding service.

Marriage Licence

It is necessary for the couple to obtain a Marriage Licence from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (situated at 48 Peterborough Street) before the marriage can take place. They require over three working days to process an application. The licence applies for three months. It is helpful if the licence is delivered to the Parish Office, 23 Cass St Kaiapoi, at least one week before the wedding.

Choice of Wedding Service

The Officiating Priest will want to see the couple together.

Arrangements for the service (including hymns and readings) will be discussed. If necessary, the couple will be asked to type out their choice of words for the service. Services are taken from The New Zealand Prayer Book (pages 779 to 808). These services are modern and inclusive.

Photos and Videos

Videos and photographs of the service are encouraged. The photographers must be discreet and not disturb the wedding by excessive movement or inappropriate use of flashlights. It is helpful if they come to the church early and speak with the Priest.

The Rehearsal

A rehearsal is usually held one day during the week before the wedding. It is essential that the couple attends, and useful if the attendants can be present. Photographers are most welcome also.

The Signing of the Register

The Marriage Register will be signed in the Church during the service. We require two witnesses, who can be any adults present.

Music

It is important that the couple choose appropriate music for the service. Music is usually chosen for the entry of the bride, the signing of the register, and the exit of the couple. As well there is the opportunity for the congregation to sing. Our organist for St Bartholomew's is a useful person to consult. He is available for consultation in his home by arrangement. If a solo is desired, please consult with the priest as early as possible. In the country churches we have musicians available to play music. They too are useful people to consult. If you do decide to use our musicians, there is a charge of $100. It is helpful if the musician fees are given to the Priest at the rehearsal in an envelope marked "Organist".

Flowers

Members of the Sanctuary Guild arrange the flowers in the church. The church may be decorated with extra flowers for the service. There are some extra bowls, vases and stands that can be used. If you require particular colours of flowers or flowers out of season, it is expected that you will supply the flowers and get them to the church the day before the wedding. if you do your own arrangements in the church, you are able to take these with you after the service. In the six weeks up to Easter (Lent), there are no church flowers and you will need to supply flowers for the wedding.

To discuss this, please contact the Parish Office. This is open Tuesday,Wednesday,  Thursday and  Friday mornings 9.30am to 12noon. Phone 327 7084

The Cost of a wedding in The Parish of Kaiapoi

Couples are asked to give a donation to the on going ministry of the parish. The donation should be appropriate to the circumstances of the couple. In some cases the wedding would be the parishes gift to the couple. If the wedding is in a location other than the parish churches, mileage and travel time, must be taken into consideration. Most donations are between $200 and $500. You will be given a receipt that you can use for income tax purposes

Pre Wedding Course

Relationship Services (Cranmer Centre 366 8804) provides an excellent course for those about to be married. Many couples find this a useful thing to participate in, before their wedding. Otherwise some preparation will be done with the priest.

Other Relevant Information

The Officiating Priest does not expect to be invited to the reception, nor are clergy always able to attend. Please send an invitation if you wish them to attend, so a clear reply can be given, On the two Sundays before a wedding, the parish congregations will remember the couple by name in their prayers. It is a good time for couples to be present to say their prayers too.

Please feel free to discuss any questions that come to mind as you prepare for your wedding. It is an important day not only for the couple, but also for friends and family. We wish you well in your commitment to each other and in your preparation.