We at GWAC are pleased to discuss with you the possibility of helping you make your wedding day a memorable and significant occasion.

We know that selecting the Celebrant and place for your ceremony is only one of many decisions you need to make, as is deciding on the specifics of content within the service.

As a Christian faith community, GWAC is committed to helping couples in the significant transition to married life. We are able to assist you in crafting a ceremony that will be welcoming to your guests, meaningful to your family members, and God-honouring in focus.

Preparation

There are three separate yet connected phases to the preparation.

1. Notice of Intent to Marry: This is a document (a form), which is provided by us, and is a legal prerequisite to marriage. Up to 18 months notice can be given but a notice must be given at least ONE month prior to the date of marriage to one of our authorized marriage celebrants:
* Rev’d Drew Mellor.
* Rev’d Stephen Petering.
* Rev’d Gary McClellan.
* Rev’d Maria Brand-Starkey (currently on maternity leave).

2. Participation in the Marriage Preparation Course ( including Prepare Inventory): This Course is conducted twice a year and involves meeting weekly for 5 sessions PLUS extra sessions (2) with one of the staff. The cost of the course is included in the wedding fees.

3. Preparation of Service of Celebration: Together with the church pastor, the couple would look over the basic service structure and decide on what extra things to include or modify. A draft order of service is available on request for consideration by the engaged couple and their family. Because we offer a Christian service, we would always include:
* Consent of couple and congregation,
* Vows,
* Bible reading and reflection,
* Declaration of Marriage and Blessing,
* Prayer for the couple,
* Signing of the register and
* Presentation of the couple.
These cover what is required legally and by the Church. There are other things that you may include.

Once this is done, you are free to produce an order of service if you so desire. This would be at your discretion and cost. There is no practical need for the provision of an outline for all guests, but it is a common occurrence.

Fees and associated costs

The basic cost for a wedding conducted in our Church building is $900. This fee covers the Marriage Preparation Course and consultations, meetings to plan the service, and rehearsal as well (subject to discussions with Pastor). It also covers the use of the worship area for either the morning or afternoon, for up to four hours. Note: There may be further costs, depending on use of facilities other than the worship area.

Please contact the Manager - Administrative Services for more details.

Things you should consider

* If you have been divorced, there is need for permission to be obtained from the Bishop, before we can conduct the ceremony.

* Please discuss with the Pastor as early as possible, should you decide to have your own musician involved in the service.

* You will need to appoint two people over the age of 18 to be your official witnesses. They will sign the register and certificates. They can be either male or female.

* A church ceremony will take from forty minutes to one hour depending on what you include in the service. Please allow one hour.

Involving a Pastor from another Christian Church.
Occasionally, we are asked by a couple to hold the ceremony at our Ministry Centre, with their own Pastor conducting the Service.

In certain circumstances, this is possible. You should ask your Pastor to contact GWAC and speak to the Senior Pastor.
Important: Confirmation of the wedding at GWAC is not possible until this is done.

Getting married outside our Church building

This is possible in some circumstances and you should discuss this with the Pastor at the time of booking the wedding. The fee for a service and associated preparations other than in the Church building at GWAC is $450, provided the service is held within an hour's drive of the GWAC building. This fee covers the Marriage Preparation Course and consultations