Getting married in Saint Peter’s

What is involved in getting married here?

The couple meets with the Vicar to make the preliminary booking arrangements, usually some months before the proposed date. The couple then meets with the Vicar for two or three marriage preparation sessions. There is a rehearsal the day before the wedding.

Who can be married in Saint Peter’s?

Although located in South Dunedin, with a particular pastoral responsibility for local people, we are flexible about marrying people from far afield, though it is good if we have had a connection with you or your family in the past.

You do not have to be a church-goer to be married here and you do not have to be an Anglican, but we assume you want to be married in Church because you wish to make your promises in the presence of God and in the house of God.

Is it a problem if we are divorced or living together?

The Anglican Church allows the remarriage of divorced persons providing there is an understanding of why the first marriage failed, a willingness to learn from that experience and that any outstanding issues from the end of that marriage are acknowledged by both parties.

Tell me more about your marriage preparation sessions

A marriage is more than simply a ceremony. At Saint Peter’s we have a pastoral responsibility to support you in every way we can as you make the biggest commitment and investment of your life.

Marriage preparation sessions are based on the method used by Relationship Services. Couples are asked to write down their honest answers to a number of fundamental questions to do with being married. At the end of the session they share their answers. The purpose is to begin a dialogue between the couple which hopefully will go on for the rest of their lives as their relationship changes and grows.

What choices are there for the wedding vows?

The Anglican Prayer Book has three alternative forms of Wedding Services and there are choices and options within each of these.

What readings shall we have?

There are usually one or two readings at a Wedding Service and a selection of suitable Bible readings will be suggested. At least one of the readings must be from the Bible and preferably both will be from the Scriptures. Quality poems or prose are a possibility.

How long does a Wedding Service usually take?

About half an hour, though add-ons such as extra readings and hymns may extend the time a little.

What about video and photographs?

It is fine to have a video made of your wedding provided the filming and photography is done discretely and unobtrusively. Photos during the processions at the beginning and the end of the Service and during the signing of the Registers are the easiest to obtain.

How much does it cost to get married in Saint Peter’s?

$200 for the Church and $100 for the Organist.

What happens about flowers and decorations?

Floral decorations around the font.

An arrangement at the high altar.

The Church is usually decorated by our flower arrangers to a high standard but it is just fine if you want to provide the flowers and a flower arranger for your ceremony. Usually the flowers are done the morning of the Service and they are often taken to the reception afterwards. It is fine to have bows and posies on the end of the pews.

What music options are available?

David Hoskins, Director of Music, with the Saint Peter’s Johannus digital organ.

The entrance and exit of the bridal couple can be to either the traditional wedding marches or other pieces of organ music. The appropriate choice can be influenced by such factors as the number of attendants and the general style of the ceremony. Our Director of Music is a trained professional musician who will give wise advice and is happy to make suggestions and to discuss your ideas with you. Should you wish, you may provide a soloist to sing during the signing of the registers.