Grace United Church Marriage Information

We see people as unique, loved creations of God and welcome all people to the full life of Christian community, including marriage. We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them, and that such relationships require preparation and nurture.  Grace United Church, Lloydminster offer the services of our Ministers and our facilities to celebrate the marriage of:

  • same-sex couples

  • divorced people

  • couples of different religions

  • heterosexual couples

  • all people who believe in Jesus Christ and want to live faithful to his way.

We are happy that you have chosen to be married in our church. You have given us the wonderful opportunity of sharing this very special day with you.
The number of weddings which take place in our church each year is quite large. As a result we have found it necessary to establish some guidelines regarding weddings in order that all weddings run smoothly.

Best wishes,
The Central Board of Grace United Church
 


 

A Guide for the Couples Seeking Marriage at Grace United Church

Introduction: The wedding day is a very special celebration of love between two people. In the context of the church, marriage is the public declaration of a couple’s love before God, and in the presence of family and friends.

Planning the Details: The DATE, HOUR, and PLACE of the ceremony should be arranged well in advance with the minister. When you first call the church your request will be penciled in until an appointment is made with the minister to discuss and confirm your booking. At that time, a $250 deposit will also be required.
At the initial interview with the minister, there will be an opportunity to discuss marriage preparation requirements, as well as the marriage ceremony itself, answering any questions and addressing any special requests.
Marriage preparation is a requirement for all couples being married at Grace United Church. Information regarding appropriate options will be provided by the minister.

A Marriage License must be secured within 90 days before the wedding. Regardless of where you live, if the wedding is being held at Grace United Church or in the Alberta portion of Lloydminster, a valid marriage license must be obtained through one of the Alberta Registries. If the wedding is to take place on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, a Saskatchewan marriage license will be required.
Please note:
• your valid marriage license and remaining wedding fees must be submitted to the church office 1 week prior to the ceremony so that the necessary clerical work may be completed.
• your choices for the wedding ceremony must be submitted to the minister 2 weeks prior to the wedding.

Wedding Ceremonies are usually conducted by one of the ministers of Grace United Church. If there is a request for another minister to officiate at the ceremony, this will need to be discussed during the initial interview to gain permission. We do our best to accommodate all marriage requests but there are occasions when it is difficult, for example, on Easter Saturday and during the United Church Conference weekend.

With church weddings, there are costs incurred by the church and time spent by the staff in preparation for the wedding ceremony. Please ask for a current fee schedule. 

Organist: When organ or piano accompaniment is requested by the couple, a church musician will be arranged by the music director of Grace United Church. Use of CD’s may be permitted but this must be discussed with the minister well ahead of the ceremony.Wedding Time will be booked with at least 2 hours between ceremonies on any given date. There is a maximum of 2 weddings allowed for each date.

Rehearsal: A suitable date and time will be planned with the minister, and the rehearsal should take no more than 1 hour. The couple, attendants, parents and ushers should plan to attend. Please ensure that your wedding party arrives on time.

Decorations: Pew bows and flower arrangements are easily accommodated, and should be fastened without the use of tape. Any special requests must be appropriate in the church worship setting and must be discussed with the minister. You may wish to bring with you to the rehearsal, any decorations that can be set up ahead of time, especially if you are including a candle or sand ceremony in your service. These may stay safely in the church until the time of your wedding. If candelabras are used, plastic mats (supplied by the couple) must be placed under them. The wedding party is responsible for the removal of all decorations immediately after the service.

Confetti or rice, etc. are not permitted on the church premises, either inside or outside.
Photographs: Photographs may only be taken when the wedding party is entering or leaving the church, and when the register is being signed. Your designated photographer will check with the minister prior to the service for specific instructions. You may video your service, in consultation with the minister, if no special lights are used, and the camera is located as inconspicuously as possible.

The Wedding Day:  Ushers should be at the church 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.  The couple with their respective attendants should arrive at the church 15 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Reception: Please do not assume that the minister will attend the reception unless invited specifically.

Contact our church office to get started!

The people of Grace United Church, along with the minister, wish you both a long life of joy together and God’s richest blessings.