St. David's United Church

The congregation of St. David’s United Church offers congratulations and good wishes to you on this happy occasion. We also hope that you will feel welcome to worship and celebrate special occasions with us during the course of your marriage.

Booking the Wedding

The first step is to view the facilities. You are welcome to attend any Sunday service (10:00 a.m.) when you will be able to see the church in daylight and hear the organ and piano being played. You may also make arrangements with our office to view the church at another time.

If you wish to book your wedding at St. David’s, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $100 to hold your date. With the payment of the deposit we will then arrange a time for you and your fiancé(e) to meet with our minister, the Rev. Dan Chambers.

The balance of $800.00 is due two weeks before the wedding. (Cheques should be made payable to St. David’s United Church.) This fee includes payment for the minister, organist, hostess, custodial service and use of the church.

Authority to Marry

A valid British Columbia Marriage Licence is mandatory and should also be presented to the church office along with any other necessary documents, at least two weeks prior to the wedding date. Locations where a marriage licence may be obtained on the North Shore are listed on the back page. In Vancouver, a licence is obtained at 205 – 605 Robson Street, (660-2937); it takes two days to obtain, costs $100 and is valid for 90 days.

Once you have this form please be sure to fill in the information about the name and birthplace of your parents. Do not sign the form now. You and your witness will sign this during the marriage ceremony. Immediately after your wedding, we will mail your marriage licence back to the Department of Vital Statistics who will also register your marriage in their records.

Planning the Service

Please click here to see an outline for a wedding at St. David’s United.

Marriage Preparation

Couples are encouraged to take advantage of Education for Marriage programs offered by the following agency in co-operation with churches of the community:

Rehearsal

Rehearsals at St. David’s are usually on the Thursday or Friday evening before your wedding. They take approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Flowers

Flowers are the responsibility of the wedding party. If advance delivery is desired, this must be arranged through the Church Office. This is important in the case of Saturday weddings to avoid finding a closed building. The Church has one pair of tall, white stands or baskets. Flowers are not to be placed on the Communion Table (Altar). If they are being removed from the Church, this should be done immediately following the ceremony by persons designated. If you wish to leave them for the congregation to enjoy at the following Sunday service, please advise the church office a few days ahead.

Candles

St. David’s has two 7-candle candelabra. If you wish to use these, or the flower stands, please make prior arrangements with our church secretary.

Confetti

Please make known to your friends that confetti, flower petals or birdseed are not to be used in the Church or around the entrances.

Pew Markers

Pew markers may be attached with masking tape, twine or rubber bands. Scotch tape or thumbtacks are not to be used.

Photography

Picture taking is permitted in the Church anytime except while the service is in progress. Photographers of course can take pictures throughout the ceremony, but are asked to be discrete.  Arrangements for videos of the service (without lights) can be made with the minister.

Music

It is the policy of St. David’s that the Minister of Music is in charge of all music for weddings. Persons wishing guidance on music plans or requesting special selections should consult with the Minister of Music directly well in advance of the wedding day. If there are no special requests, it may be assumed that the musician’s services will be arranged automatically and that appropriate music will be provided.

Marriage Licenses

Marriage Licenses can be obtained from:

Thank you for your attention to these matters. We hope your wedding is a celebrative, meaningful, joyous event that enriches your marriage. Blessings on you!