Other Considerations
Decorating the Church
Confetti may not be thrown in the church or on the church grounds. If desired, rose petals may be thrown outside the church building.
Your wedding fee includes one large floral arrangement on a pedestal and flowers in the Lady Chapel. If you wish to have more flowers, they may be arranged at your own expense, through the Rector.
Artificial flowers may only be used with the permission of the Rector.
Pew ends may be decorated if you wish. Often about 10 to 12 pews are used - one each side of every second pew. Pew ends must be secured with either ribbons or elastic.
Orders of Service
Orders of service, or liturgy booklets, are usually printed by Christ Church, and this cost is included in the wedding fee. A master copy of the booklet may be found here (PDF link coming soon). If you wish to augment the booklet, please speak to the Rector or the Office.
Music at your wedding
The Christ Church organist plays at all weddings. If you wish to have other musicians at your wedding (such as a trumpeter or a choir) these costs must be met by you. Please discuss this with the Rector, who can also put you in contact with musicians if desired. A list of suggested entry and exit music may be found here.
Usually two hymns are sung at a wedding. It is important to choose well-known and easy-to-sing hymns for your wedding. This will make the congregation more comfortable about singing and participating in the service. A list of appropriate hymns may be found here, and you are encouraged to discuss your hymn choice with the Rector.
No recorded music is permitted in the church.
Readings
At least one lesson from the Bible is read during the service. If you wish, a friend or a member of the family may read, and it is important that the person you choose has a clear speaking voice and is confident and experienced enough to read the lesson well. Only scriptural readings are permitted. A list of appropriate readings may be found here.
Photography
We appreciate the value of a photographic record of your wedding and how important these photos will be to you in years to come. We encourage photography, but not at the expense of the dignity and elegance of the wedding. Photographs are permitted in the church only by the official photographer.
Photographers, to maintain the dignity of the ceremony please observe the following guidelines:
The photographer may take photos from towards the rear of the church as you make your vows and as you exchange rings. They may also take photos of you as you come down the aisle after the signing of the register. It is not appropriate for the guests to take photographs during the service; their task is to witness the marriage and to pray for its strength and growth. Your chosen photographer may photograph the signing of the register and the handing over of the certificate after it has taken place in the vestry. The sexton will show them where this is to take place and will ensure that they get there at the right time.
Videos
You may wish to have a video copy of the marriage service. This is in order, but the video requirements are different from that of a photographer. The video operators are carefully placed so that they may be out of the way and yet get the full service on the tape. Please note that video operators are not permitted to use lights.
Ushers
The sexton assists the celebrant by ensuring that the gates are open, the cars come to the right place and all other organisational matters are dealt with. It is helpful if the wedding party provides two ushers who know both the families and are able to assist the sexton in seating the guests, distributing service booklets, etc. The ushers should arrive at the church 30 minutes before the service is due to start.