Marriage Policy and Procedures at SPUC

Our Understanding of Christian Marriage

We affirm that marriage is a gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God. In marriage we offer one another the promise of lifelong companionship, rich expression of human affections and sexuality, and nurture of children…

We affirm that this unity is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals. It creates holy ground on which two, and all others, must walk carefully and gently, yet forthrightly and with courage…

We know God as faithful, loving and just. We are called to embody this in our own relationships. Relationships cannot thrive and grow in isolation; they need the nurture, support and accountability of community. For Christians, our relationship with God and with each other is rooted in our understanding of Covenant. A Covenant is a mutually agreed upon sacred bonding. Covenants of marriage and life partnerships are public. And have profound and lasting effects not only on the couple but also on society of which they are a part.

As the Church, we celebrate such covenants in the context of the public worship of God. To have a marriage covenant marked and celebrated within the Church is to acknowledge a decision to share life based on a spiritual foundation. By promising to live in faithful human covenant, there is potential to know God’s faithful covenant with all God’s people.

Couples who do not have an interest in a Christian understanding of marriage or commitment to the life of faith have the option of a civil ceremony presided over by a marriage commissioner.

Policy Statement on Marriage

The United Church of Canada affirms that final responsibility for the significance of the marriage service and all matters related to the conduct of weddings rest with the Minister and the local church. Sherwood Park United Church Council supports the decisions regarding weddings made by the minister.

“Service of Marriage” is the joining together of two adults, celebrated in a worship service, conducted and registered in accordance with the laws of jurisdiction in which the service is performed.

We want to support your faith journey in this next important step of your life. While we are a Christian congregation, we understand that love often brings one faith together with another. In a context of mutual respect, we can find ways to include different faith traditions. Talk to our minister about any special concerns you might have.

Services of Marriage at Sherwood Park United Church are celebrated by the Ordered Ministry Personnel who are in covenant with our congregation through Edmonton Presbytery and who are licensed by the Government of Alberta to register marriages. Other arrangements may be considered only after consultation with, and at the discretion of, the congregation’s Ordered Ministry Personnel.

Marriage Services in locations other than the church building (e.g. homes, gardens, hotels) are matters to work out in consultation with the Ordered Ministry Personnel. A guiding principle for location is the understanding that the Marriage service is a Service of Worship.

Marriage Preparation

We encourage couples to become a part of our faith community, joining in Sunday worship, programs and special events prior to their wedding date and throughout their marriage.

Initial contact will be made through the Church Administrator. A tentative date is booked and an information package is sent out which includes two information sheets that will need to be filled out and returned to the church office when you have all the pertinent information.

The couple will meet with the minister to discuss the marriage worship service. Once the initial meeting is concluded the date for the wedding can be confirmed.

Pre-marriage counseling and/or classes are normally required. Several options are available in order to offer flexibility.

The date and time for your rehearsal will have to be discussed and booked with the presiding minister for your service. Rehearsals may be changed if the need arises, at the discretion of the minister.

The marriage service is planned in consultation with the minister, on the basis of United Church of Canada liturgical practice, with the optional inclusion of elements of your personal choice (special music, readings, prayers, etc).

Wedding parties can be as large or as small as the couple prefers. Children are welcome to be part of your wedding service although having a child less than 5 years of age involved often places undue stress on the child and other members of the wedding party.

The laws of the Province of Alberta requires two witnesses other than the minister, that are eighteen (18) years of age or older. These may be the Best Man, Maid/ Matron of Honour.

The Marriage Act makes it an offense for Weddings to be performed when one of the persons are under the influence of alcohol, so please be aware that the minister at Sherwood Park United Church will not perform a wedding ceremony if it is apparent that the judgment and understanding of the Bride or Groom or either of the legal witnesses is impaired by alcohol or mind-altering substances.