Frequently asked questions
Who can be married at Christ Church?
Who can marry us at Christ Church?
What about preparation?
What will it cost?
What official documents must we produce?
Who can be married at Christ Church?
All are welcome to explore being married in the Anglican way. It is important that couples seeking marriage here at Christ Church understand that what we offer is not just a beautiful sacred space for their wedding ceremony but also a way to be married. That way is Christian and in the Anglican tradition. In coming to the Christian Church for marriage, it is understood that couples seek to have their commitment to one another made before God and with God's blessing. It is after all, a religious ceremony. More information about this aspect will be given to you at your initial interview with the Parish Priest.
Who can marry us at Christ Church?
An Anglican priest must be the officiant at your wedding. If you know an Anglican priest and would like her/him to be the officiant then this may be possible. You should discuss this at the initial interview with the Parish Priest.
What about preparation?
The Anglican Church not only seeks to help couples plan and celebrate their wedding but importantly also assists in the preparation for marriage. Therefore all couples married at Christ Church are required to undertake some marriage preparation. This is a valuable investment for your future together and includes ongoing support from our Parish Marriage Education Co-ordinator.
What will it cost?
Currently Parish expenses for the provision of the organist, flowers, marriage education and administration amount to $2,500 [including a non-refundable booking fee of $500 to confirm your arrangements].
Our costs are reviewed annually, and these may be increased if your wedding is booked after the 31 December, however, if you pay the full amount before this date, no increase will be incurred. Compared to other churches our costs may seem high but this is due to considerable administration and other costs incurred due to the fact Christ Church has so many weddings. If cost is a real barrier to being married here please speak to the Parish Priest about this at your first interview and we will endeavour to help where we can.
All documents are provided including your marriage certificate which is printed in an attractive style.
We also suggest a $300 donation towards the conservation of this historic church which is tax deductible and made through the National Trust. This donation is optional and any amount is most welcome.
The Confirmation of Booking Form will be provided at the initial interview and is then to be returned to the Parish Office with the booking fee within 4 weeks. A receipt will then be forwarded to you together with a letter to confirm your date and time of the ceremony.
What official documents must we produce?
Birth certificates for both of you, together with divorce papers/death certificate where necessary. If you have lost your birth certificate, a passport is acceptable. However your passport does not list your parents' names which are required in full (including your mother's maiden name).