St Mark’s or St Anne’s church

General Information

“A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. St Johntells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion, and gave there a sign of new beginnings.

Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship – God’s blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and bad. Marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between and man and a woman, made and celebrated in the presence of God and before a priest and congregation.” (A New Zealand Prayer Book – He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa page 779)

Any who wish may approach the Parish of Opawa-St Martins to request Christian marriage in either St Mark’s or St Anne’s. All requests will be considered by the vicar so please contact him in the first instance (Vicar: Lawrence Kimberley, 981 7384). Preference is given to those who are actively living the Christian faith.

The church expects that one of those being married will be baptised and that the couple will receive preparation so that they can make their promises before God with understanding.

As the marriage service is celebrated in the presence of God, services are from A New Zealand Prayer Book. However, each couple participates in the preparation of the service which may be shaped to meet their needs.

If you have any questions about this please discuss these with the vicar.

Date and Time of your Wedding

Once the vicar has accepted a request for Christian marriage, the date and time of the service are confirmed with the Parish Administrator, (ph: 980 9983) who will also confirm this with the vicar and send the couple an information pack.

Our churches are not available for weddings on Sundays before 12 noon , on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Easter Day before 12 noon .

Your marriage will be taken by the Vicar of Opawa-St Martins or a member of the clergy team of this parish. Other people may help during the wedding service.

Marriage Preparation and Choice of Wedding Service

A member of the clergy team will meet the couple together three times before the wedding. It is the responsibility of the couple to contact the vicar to arrange these meetings, ideally about four months before the wedding date. The first two meetings, beginning about three months prior to the wedding day, are for discussing the meaning and significance of Christian marriage and to begin planning the service. Arrangements for the service (including hymns and readings) will be discussed in these meetings. Services are taken from the New Zealand Prayer Book (pages 779 to 808). These services are modern and inclusive and provide flexibility and a range of choices for couples.

The third meeting is the wedding rehearsal which usually takes place the day before your wedding.

The Cost of a Church Wedding

A $40 deposit upon booking the wedding in at St Mark's. The following donations are suggested and should be paid in cash in separate envelopes at the rehearsal:

$40 for the Verger (this person makes sure the church is tidy before and after a wedding, will ring the church bells, operate the sound system as well as being present at the entrance to the church);
There is a donation for the Vicar's time and the use of the Church. This helps in the continuing work of the parish of Opawa-St Martins. Most donations are between $200 and $450;
There may be a charge to cover the cost of flowers;
Organist: $75.00 - $100.00 (depending on the organist).

On the two Sundays before a wedding, the St Mark's congregation will remember the couple by name in their prayers. This 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.

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