Weddings and Baptisms - Wedding Blessings and Renewal of Vows
More Information
If you would like any other information regarding your wedding blessing or renewal of vows, please do not hesitate to contact the St Michael's Office on (03) 9654 5120 or alternatively email weddings@stmichaels.org.au
A Wedding Blessing
This is a ceremony for those who want to confirm their commitment to each other in the magnificent setting of St Michael's Church in the heart of the city.
If you and your partner recognise the importance of your relationship and wish to commit or recommit to each other and celebrate this with family and friends, St Michael's is a remarkable place to choose.
A Wedding Blessing is given by a St Michael's Marriage Minister. It is NOT a legal ceremony and does not have a legal binding. It is a celebration of your commitment to each other.
Who can ask for this Blessing?
Couples in different relationships might choose to have a Wedding Blessing at St Michael's, for example if you;
- are not married and prefer not to have a legal ceremony, but who wish to make a pledge to one another within St Michael's.
- have already been married but wish to recognise their commitment to one another at St Michael's.
- have been married in another country and would like to have a Wedding Blessing within St Michael's.
- have been married for many years and who would like to renew their vows or recommit and celebrate their relationship, what it has been and what it will be in the future.
What are the elements of a Wedding Blessing?
As a couple you will make a statement to each other, of the importance of your relationship; your intention for the future of your relationship; and your hope and commitment towards each other's life, enjoyment, health and enrichment. A prayer and an expression of hope and goodwill. An appropriate reading. The Blessing. This may be expressed in a traditional religious language, or in a more contemporary style.
How can I book?
First, contact St Michael's to enquire about your preferred date. Our Weddings Co-ordinator will be able to advise whether a minister and the church are available.
Second, make a booking with our Weddings Co-ordinator.
Third, you will need to meet with the Minister to discuss the Blessing you want and that it is in keeping with what St Michael's can provide.
Reserving the church for your wedding.
It is important for you to reserve the church as early as possible to ensure that you obtain the date and time you require. Contact the church office and check the availability. You can make a tentative booking and the space is held open for two weeks. The booking can be confirmed by completing the Wedding Booking Form and paying the deposit. The deposit is $250 and is non-refundable.
In determining your wedding date, please note that the church is not available during Holy Week (ie. the week immediately before Easter), Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, St Michaels Day and the day preceding, or Public Holidays.On Sundays the church is available after 2.00 pm.
What is included in the cost of a Wedding Blessing?
The wedding fee includes:
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Use of the church facilities
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Rehearsal before the ceremony
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The Minister
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The Organist
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The Verger (to assist the Minister)
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Church flowers
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Ringing the bells (carillon)
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Administration
Viewing the church.
The church is usually open weekdays from 10.30 am - 1.30 pm (please call to confirm if making special arrangements). If you cannot make these times, contact the office and arrange a time to view the Church between office hours, weekdays 9.00 am - 5.00 pm. The church is also open on Sundays for morning service at 10.00 am.
Photographs and videos.
The use of photographers and video cameras is allowed. It is important however that the mood and integrity of the service is not compromised. Please ask your photographer and/or video producer to speak with the presiding Minister before the wedding service.
Pew decorations and flower arrangements.
To help the wedding ceremony go as smoothly as possible, please inform the office if you would like to bring in pew decorations or any other items. The church will be open for you half an hour before and after the service, to enable you to assemble and remove any such items.
Movement of furnishings.
Please note church furnishings cannot be moved from their set places, nor can other items of furniture or other objects be brought into the church.
Confetti.
Confetti can be used outside the church. No confetti products are to be used inside the church.
If you are living in Japan and need assistance with wedding blessings in Melbourne, you are able to contact Satomi Terado if you wish to. Her website is
http://wedding.rakurakuhp.com/htm_40988.htm
Contact us for more information.