The Sacrament of Marriage
The Christian church teaches that

• Marriage is a gift of God our creator.
• It is a symbol of God's unending love for his people, and of the union between Christ and his Church.
• Marriage is a lifelong partnership uniting a woman and a man in heart, mind and body.
• In the joy of their union, husband and wife enrich and respond to each other, growing in tenderness and understanding.
• Through marriage a new family is formed, where children may be born and grow in secure and loving care.
• Marriage is therefore to be honoured by all. No one should enter it lightly or selfishly, but responsibly and joyfully, with mutual respect and the promise to be faithful.

(A Prayer Book for Australia 1995)

If you share this view of marriage, then we invite you to consider celebrating your wedding day in St Michael's Church in the Anglican Parish of Mitcham.

There are many things you need to arrange before your wedding day, but keep in mind that the wedding day is not an end in itself. The wedding day is only the beginning!

The information below answers the most frequently asked questions about marriage in our Church. If you require any further information, or to make a booking, please contact the parish on 08 8373 3433 or office@mitchamanglican.org.au

Are there any special requirements?
Yes, there are some requirements under Church and civil law which govern all marriages, and it is important to check that you comply with these. Both parties to the marriage must be at least 18 years old, and at least one must be a Baptised Christian in order for you to be married in the Church.

The legal notice of marriage must be completed and given to your Celebrant less than twelve months and more than one month before the wedding day, and copies of your birth certificates (or passports for those born overseas) must be supplied.

Weddings are not celebrated during the week between Palm Sunday and Easter day (inclusive), and may be restricted at other times due to requirements of the parish of Mitcham.

One of us has been divorced. Does that make a difference? Divorced persons who wish to remarry in the Church need to apply to the Archbishop of Adelaide for permission. This is normally only granted to people who regularly attend their own church, and who have participated in a course of marriage education.

The Priest of the parish you attend or in which you reside would need to apply for such permission before a booking can be confirmed at the Church.

How much does it all cost?
The cost of marriage in Mitcham parish is $900.
This includes all Celebrant’s costs, the Organist, the Verger (cleaner/caretaker) and a contribution towards parish mission and maintenance.

A deposit of $200 is required to confirm the date and time of your wedding ceremony, and the balance of $700 is payable at least 30 days before the wedding day.

Cheques should be made out to Mitcham Anglican Parish.
Payments by cash, money order and credit card are also accepted.

These costs are exempt from GST.

What about the flowers?
Please make your own arrangements for flowers in the church on your wedding day.

Except during the season of Lent (7 weeks before Easter), the parish requests that at least one vase of  flowers remain in the church after Saturday weddings for services the following Sunday. Please discuss your plans in this regard with your celebrant.

Are there rules about photography and video recording?
You are welcome to arrange for a photographer and/or video recording at your ceremony.

We do request that no additional electric lighting be used, and that flash photography be kept to a minimum.

Good professional photographers and videographers are usually able to record the service without you even knowing that they are there. If in doubt, they should be asked to speak to the Celebrant before the service.  

Can we have Confetti?
Please discourage your friends from throwing confetti or rice.
Rose petals and bubbles are pleasant and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Can we have our own Minister or Priest?
It is a requirement that the minister who administers the wedding vows and signs the marriage certificate is an Anglican Priest who has the authorisation of both the Rector of Mitcham and the Archbishop of Adelaide to do so.

Under most circumstances the parish of Mitcham is happy to extend hospitality to other Anglican clergy to officiate. Please discuss this with the Rector before making any arrangements.

Ministers of other churches may also be invited to take part in the service, in consultation with your Celebrant.

Can we use the Pipe Organ?
One of our parish organists will be available to play for your ceremony.

The music for your wedding can be discussed with your Celebrant and the parish Director of music before the ceremony.

You may arrange for an instrumental or vocal soloist or group to perform during the ceremony but please note that only live music is permitted - no CDs or tapes.  The parish of Mitcham has several choral scholars and other musicians who are available to assist with the music at your wedding ceremony.

The permission of the Director of Music is required for any visiting organists to play the pipe organ.  An electric piano is available if required.

Do we have to attend marriage classes?
Marriage education has been shown to be of benefit to all couples, and has the capacity to strengthen and enrich your relationship whether you are a young couple marrying from home, or an established couple seeking God’s blessing on an already existing relationship.

All couples are encouraged to participate in some form of marriage education. This may take the form of a workshop offered by Anglicare or another relationships counselling organisation, or a questionnaire based program which can be administered by your Celebrant.

What about coming to church?
When two people marry in the Church they seek the blessing of God and the prayers and support of the Christian community on their relationship.

In the Anglican parish of Mitcham we celebrate and share the love of God through worship, prayer and study of the scriptures; in our involvement with outreach and social justice efforts such as the Magdalene Centre; and by seeking to live in God’s ways in every aspect of our daily lives.

We are pleased to provide the venue for your wedding ceremony, and will support you with our prayers during your time of preparation and on your wedding day. We also have more to offer, and invite you to consider becoming a part of our community.

We encourage you to come along to one of our regular services of worship. Some of our services are very traditional, and some are quite informal. There is sure to be one that suits you!

As well, you might like to consider joining the next "Alpha" group. Alpha is a course designed for adults who are new to the Christian faith, and offers you the chance to learn and ask questions in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Preparation for adult Baptism and Confirmation, and occasional Bible study groups are also available.
Please contact the parish for more details.

Good luck and every blessing for your special day!

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