Weddings

Getting Married at St. Philip's

We are delighted that you are interested in making St. Philip’s on-the-hill a part of your wedding celebration! We want to do everything possible to make your wedding a wonderful and memorable occasion.Even more important, as you begin your new life together, we want to do all we can to help you build the strongest possible marriage.

The Bible teaches us to regard marriage as sacred. The Book of Alternative Services summarizes Scriptural teaching this way: "Marriage is a gift of God and a means of his grace. It is a way of life that all should reverence, and none should lightly undertake." At St. Philip’s we "reverence" marriage by taking each aspect of planning and preparation seriously. Planning your Wedding at St. Philip’s

We don’t have a lot of weddings at St. Philip’s but certain weekends are universally popular so the church should be contacted as soon as a date for the wedding has been set. We prefer to plan at least nine months to a year ahead.

Once you have reserved your wedding, the priest will contact you to arrange an introductory meeting. At that meeting, we will take your information, discuss your plans, arrange for you to take a marriage preparation course, discuss the fees and donation, and answer questions.

Marriage Preparation

We usually meet with couples at least four times to discuss your plans and plan the ceremony together. In addition, each couple takes a Marriage Preparation course. Couples may be referred to a course recommended by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. When numbers warrant, we offer the highly acclaimed five-session Alpha Marriage Prep program.

To Register

Please call Carolyn Williamson, our Parish Administrator 905-477-1991 or email her: office@stphilipsunionville.ca. She will be glad to send you the application forms.

Questions

Can we rent the Church and provide our own minister and service?
St. Philip’s is a beautiful, comfortable sacred space with a traditional flair and we get regular requests from couples who want to rent our building and provide their own minister and order of service. Our policy is not to rent our building or hall to couples who we don’t prepare. Being an Anglican Church we use the Anglican marriage service. (There’s none more meaningful or beautiful). Clerics who are close to the couple may be invited to assist after discussion with our rector.

What about music?
Our Minister of Music has the right of first refusal to play at weddings and to coordinate the music. The couple will usually contact her or her replacement to discuss music for the wedding. If the couple requests, outside musicians may by invited to play after consultation with our organist.

What about Church Decorations?
As part of our service to you, the flowers in the sanctuary for the coming Sunday are coordinated with you as much as possible. The Flower Convenor, a member of the Chancel Guild, will be glad to discuss your request with you (contact information will be provided once your wedding date has been confirmed). You are welcome to bring in additional flower arrangements and pew decorations at your expense. These belong to you and can be taken with you for your Reception if you wish. The church also has a pair of candelabra with oil candles that you may rent.

Is there a policy about photographs and video?
Photographs and video are a welcome way to preserve special memories of your wedding. We must ask you, however, to remind your photographer to speak with the minister before the service when some simple guidelines will be given that respect our sacred space and the dignity of the service. The church is quite bright so we ask that no flash pictures be taken during the actual ceremony. Guests may take all the photos they want during the Processional, Recessional, and the Signing of the Registers.

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