Getting Married?

What is Marriage?

A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy.
The Bible tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine (John chapter 2). Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to support each other in good times and bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children.
For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.
On your wedding day as you look at each other, make your promises and receive God’s blessing, your family and friends are witnesses of your marriage, and express their support by their presence and prayers.

How much will it cost?

At St Hilary's & St Silas Church we aim to keep the cost to you as low as possible. As you think about your forthcoming wedding, there are many practical aspects you will need to consider. To avoid any confusion we would like to be as upfront as we can about some of these aspects. These arrangements apply to both church sites.
At St Hilary's & St Silas, there is a standard wedding fee of $365, which is to be paid by the time of the final interview or rehearsal prior to the wedding. This fee covers the
following:

• The use of the church and the foyer.
• The officiating minister including preparation and lodgement of documentation.
• The music co-ordinator, who will work with you on your choice of music and selection of musicians.
• The verger, who will prepare the church on the day and tidy afterwards.
• The sound operator, who will ensure that the readings, promises and the music are heard in the church.

There are a number of variables, which you may select:

• If you request St Hilary's & St Silas Church to take responsibility for the flowers in the church this can be arranged at a cost of $150.
• For all musicians from St Hilary's & St Silas there is a fee of $70 for each musician.
• For solo musician playing any time during the service there will be an additional cost of $50 each.
• For special musical arrangements there will be an additional cost of $75
• Should you require other rooms or facilities, these can be booked through the office and a fee will apply.
• If you wish to reconfigure the seating in the St Hilary’s church other than our standard north/south setting, this will incur an additional charge of $250. (Please note that the church at St Silas has a traditional seating layout with a long aisle.)
• In cases of financial hardship, request can be made to the vicar for wedding fee assistance.

Planning your Wedding

Your first step is to contact Lisa Day in the Church office on 9816 7100 OR speak with your congregational Minister. You will need to work out possible times and dates for your wedding service to begin the process. During your interview with your officiating minister you will be asked to complete a detailed booking form and they will guide you through things like; who you need to consult for music arranging the venue for your wedding service and the various practicalities which are part and parcel of the day.

At St Hilary's & St Silas all couples planning to be married are encouraged to undertake marriage preparation. The Keriva counselling service, located on the St Hilary's site, offers a professional service to marriage couples. You will be given further information about this at your first planning meeting with your minister.

Please note that to be married at St Hilary's & St Silas Church it is our policy that at least one of the couple attends or has a strong link to either a St Hilary's & St Silas congregation.