Trinity-Clifton United Church

220 Richmond Street
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 9C4 
1-902-892-4114

Marriage Guidelines

The Congregation of Trinity-Clifton is pleased that you are interested in recognizing your marriage commitment in this church and within the context of the Christian Community.  We rejoice with you in this important decision and offer you our prayers and support. 

When you ask the minister of a Christian Church to conduct your marriage you declare your desire to seek God’s blessing and to acknowledge the context of your faith in a service of worship.  A Christian wedding is a service of worship; so the most suitable place for it is in the sanctuary where the symbols of faith are clearly visible:  The Cross – which stand for the redemptive love of Christ, and the Table – which reminds us of the gathered community nourished by God’s presence.  

We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them.  These relationships may be between a woman and a man, or between people of the same gender. 

It is important to note that all marriage requests are presented to the Council for their approval.  

01	– Preparation
a.	Booking the Church – You will need to pick up a marriage packet from the church office and complete a request form.  Once completed please return the form to the church office and your wedding date will be booked.  
b.	Marriage Preparation Course - Although there are no requirements to participate in a Marriage preparation course, it is highly recommended that you do.  Please speak to the minister regarding marriage courses. 
c.	Music Consult – Music is a very important part of worship and should be chosen with care.  To help you with this, our organist, Don Fraser can assist you in planning your music.  Don can be reached at 1-902-569-1604 or email donald.fraser@islandtelecom.com .  Please contact the organist as soon as the date and time of the wedding have been confirmed. 
As the resident Church Organist Don Fraser is given the first option to play at weddings and approve who can play the organ.  The rehearsal with the soloist will occur immediately prior to the wedding or on the same day in case of multiple weddings on the same day.  
d.	Meeting with the Minister – Normally the couple will meet with the minister twice.  First, at least eight weeks before the wedding, to discuss details and get to know each other.  Second, at least two weeks prior to the wedding, to confirm arrangements.  

02	– Officiant at Church Weddings
While the Covenanted Ministers are expected to celebrate marriages held at Trinity-Clifton United Church, another properly licensed minister may participate in services of marriage subject to the Covenanted Ministers approval.  All ministers providing services of marriage through Trinity-Clifton United Church, shall respect and follow the marriage guidelines.  The position, rights, and responsibilities of the Covenanted Ministers of the congregation shall be respected at all times.  
 At times couples wish to have another clergy person participate in the wedding ceremony.  We welcome clergy participation, however, this will need to be discussed.  

03	– License, Registration, & Certificate of Marriage
Marriage is both a civil contract and Christian Covenant when it takes place in a church.  You may purchase a Marriage License at Vital Statistics Services, Dept. Of Health & Social Services, Riverview Business Center, 16 Garfield St., PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7N8.  An appointment with a Vital Statistics person will need to be made by calling 1-877-320-1252.  Both persons to be married will need to attend and have their Birth Certificates and another piece of ID.  A Marriage License must be applied for at least five days before the marriage and is valid for 90 days.  
Note:  Please bring the Marriage License and other forms to the church office two weeks in advance of the wedding. 

04	– Candles, Decorations, & Church Furnishings
            Decorations and flowers are welcomed in the church.  Pew bows are also
 permitted, but use of any adhesive, which may be potentially damaging to the 
finish on the pews is prohibited.  Candles are permitted on the Communion Table.  If candles are to be used couples are responsible for the purchase of     dripless candles.   

05	– Confetti
Confetti, rice, real flower petals and soap bubbles are not to be used inside the church.  These items simply make too much of a mess! 

06	– Photographs and video Recordings
You are welcome to take pictures during the Processional, singing of the Register, and the Recessional. Please refrain from taking photos during the service of worship.  The photographer is asked to consult with the Minister before the wedding begins. 

07	– Rehearsal
Please make rehearsal arrangements with Minister.  Those to be present include the wedding party, ushers, persons reading, and parents.  It is imperative that the wedding party be on time for the rehearsal. 

08	– Off-Site Weddings
Weddings are permitted at locations other than in the church itself.  Arrangements are to be made directly with the minister.  

09	– Fees and Honoraria
Fees with your wedding license and documentation must be delivered to the Trinity/Clifton Church Office at least TWO WEEKS prior to the wedding.  Please note, wedding will normally not take place if fees are not paid in advance. 

For breakdown of fees please refer to the schedule of fees:  Appendix I

10	– Further Contact Information
a.	Church Staff:
Office Administrator:  Ellen Locke (trinityunited@eastlink.ca)

               		Organist:                  Donald Fraser (donald.fraser@islandtelecom.com)

			Caretaker:                Andy Gagnon

Appendix I

Fees and Honoraria

Use of Church Sanctuary

	1.	 Active Members/Active Adherents – No Fee 
2.	 Inactive Members/Non-Members – $225.00	
Clergy 
	1.	$150.00	
Organist 

	1.	Without soloist – $175.00
2.	With soloist - $200.00	
Custodian
	1.	$75.00	
TOTALS

	1.	 Active Members/Active Adherents - $400. to *$425. 
2.	 Inactive Members/Non-Members - $625. to *$650. 

 *depending on soloist participation