Getting Married at St Peter's

St Peter's Eastern Hill is the historic Anglican parish church of Melbourne, founded in 1846. It is a beautiful place of worship in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Our particular way of doing things reflects this.

Normally the Vicar of St Peter's (or another of the ministry team) officiates at the wedding. For a wedding in an Anglican church the celebrant must be an Anglican priest, appropriately licensed and registered. Clergy of other traditions are most welcome to assist.

Christian marriage includes the taking of the wedding vows in Church, asking God's help, protection and blessing. This adds to the solemnity of the occasion as each partner makes loving commitment to the other. We welcome those who wish to take this step at St Peter's.

GETTING MARRIED

Now that you have decided to be married, there are many things to be done. All weddings have to comply with the regulations in the Commonwealth Marriage Act. There are forms to be filled out and preparations made.

Two Specific Church Requirements

1. Christian marriage normally requires that at least one partner should be baptised.
2. Special dispensation from the bishop is needed for the marriage of a person who has been divorced.

First Things

As early as possible, a date and a time will need to be agreed and a non refundable $100 deposit paid. Check with the church first, because some dates may already be filled. Normally weddings are not held during Lent, the 40 days before Easter, and there are absolutely no weddings on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Day. Preparation meetings are held at times convenient to all. At these all the necessary forms can be filled in as well.

Marriage Preparation

All couples who choose to be married at St. Peter's are required to undertake preparation for this most significant step. This includes two sessions of "Prepare".

From "Prepare" a couple can get a clear indication of both the existing strengths in their relationship, as well perhaps of areas that might need some further mutual discussion.

Obviously anything that can help avoid adding to the sad statistics of marriage breakdown is worth participating in. Couples find "Prepare" helpful and thought-provoking.

Music

Music is an important part of the wedding ceremony and St Peter's is a place with a fine musical tradition. We have two organs, various instrumentalists including a trumpeter, as well as a fine group of singers and soloists – so music here is 'live', not CDs. This is a key part of what being married at St Peter's Eastern Hill includes, and the organist and/or choir director are happy to discuss various options. Recorded music is the appropriately kept for the reception.

On the Day

The key thing is to be on time. The old jokes about late brides no longer apply. It all works well if each wedding group respects the time constraints when there are other services on the same day.

Your guests should be encouraged to be inside the church ready for you. Ushers should be organised to help with this.

And please, no confetti inside or outside. Outside, good old fashioned rice or rose petals are fine. Please let your guests know.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.

Under the Commonwealth Marriage Act the requirements for marriage are as follows–

1. Marriageable Age

Marriage of any person under 18 years without an order of a Judge or Magistrate is invalid. Under NO circumstances can 2 persons under 18 years marry each other. Consents from the parents of a person under age are also required.

2. Witnesses

Witnesses to the marriage must be at least 18 years of age. They may be male or female, relatives or unrelated. Two are required.

3. A Special Form

Those wishing to be married must fill in the official "Notice of Intended Marriage" form.

If the marriage does not take place within 18 months of the date appearing on the documents, their validity ceases and the documents must be renewed. The signatures of the parties on the "Notice" are normally witnessed by the celebrant but may be witnessed by a JP or another priest.

The completed "Notice of Intended Marriage" form must be with the celebrant at least one calendar month before the marriage. Special requirements, both Church and State, apply in the case of a person requesting re-marriage.

4. Proof of Age and Identity

Full birth certificates (not extracts) are required, preferably at the first interview.

WEDDING FEES

(Revised 1 November 2007)

Payment in full should be made at the parish office, at least one week before the wedding.

There is a basic composite charge for weddings at St Peter's which includes the use of the Church, the celebrant, the preparation, one large flower arrangement which stays in the church, the organist and verger, and the initial booking fee.

For weddings held on Monday to Saturday: Composite fee $1,100.00

For weddings held on Sunday (at 3pm only): Composite fee $1,200.00

• Participation in the "Prepare" marriage preparation costs a further $44.00 (includes GST) for processing. This is payable at the second interview with the celebrant.
• Further flower arrangements can be provided, in consultation with the Flower Guild:
  Mrs Elisabeth Prideaux, phone: 9830 5019.
• Other details, such as special music or soloists, can be discussed with the organist:
  Ms Linda Kent, phone 9419 9276 or Mr Julian Clarke 9687 8736
  For more information on music for your wedding, see the Page on Music for Weddings under the Music section of this website.
• The wedding ceremony may include a nuptial mass if requested.

Parish Office: telephone 9662 2391
fax: 9662 2400
e-mail: vicar@stpeters.org.au
Office hours: 9.00am to 1.00pm

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