Do we need to be a member of the congregation or a Presbyterian in order to be married at St John's in the City?

 
No.  We are pleased to talk to any couple that is interested in being married in our Church, irrespective of denomination.

What do we have to do in order to get approval for our wedding to be held at St John's?

Weddings are held at St John's in the City by arrangement with one of our Ministers.  Couples wishing to book the church for a wedding need to discuss their plans with one of the Ministers before making a booking through the Church Office.

Do we need to attend any classes for preparation?

Not necessarily.  However, if one of our ministers is to conduct your wedding, he will want to spend some time talking to you both.   Normally, three sessions are sufficient.

Can we use our own Minister or wedding celebrant?

 
Yes.  You will need, however, to obtain approval first from one of our ministers. If it is alright, your Minister must then contact our Minister directly to find out where the registry is located etc.  We do not permit wedding celebrants to conduct wedding services in the Church, unless they are either clergy or lay preachers.

Can we compose our own wedding vows?

Yes, in consultation with the Minister.

Are there any restrictions on the day or time of our wedding?

We normally prefer to have only one wedding on one day. If, however, two weddings are to be held, there must be at least a two-hour gap.   Normally we do not have weddings on Sundays because of the regular morning and evening services.

When do we need to give you the marriage licence?

No licence, no wedding.  This important document must be procured from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Wellington Office, Department of Internal Affairs, Boulcott House, 47 Boulcott Street, Wellington.  As the details on the marriage licence are required by law to be carefully transferred to the Parish Marriage Register, it is helpful if the licence can be handed in to the Minister or the Church Office several days before the wedding.  The bridal couple receives a copy after the wedding.

If we are only having a small number of guests, can we use the chapel, instead of the church?

 
Yes, although this will depend on availability of the Chapel and also on whether anything else is taking place at the same time in the Church. 

Can we arrange our own flowers and take them with us when the ceremony is over?

We would prefer you to use our flower group.  St John's in the City has a flower convener and supportive committee who are very experienced at floral arrangements for weddings.  Their charge of $150 (incl GST) is very competitive and they are happy to consult directly with you on colours and styles.  If you are getting married on Saturday, the flowers must be left in the Church until the Monday.  If you are happy to have the flowers which are normally arranged for the Sunday church services, there is no charge.

What do we need to do about music?

 
You can use the church organist if you would like.  Alternatively, if you would like your own organist to play instead of ours, you will need to speak directly to the Music Director, Eleanor Carter.

We do have a good sound system in the Church, which includes a tape and CD deck.  We have no objections to your using taped music, or bringing in other musicians with their own sound system. 

Can we have a rehearsal?

Most couples arrange to have a rehearsal a few days before the wedding.   We provide a Church Officer who is responsible for opening and closing the building for one rehearsal and on the day of the wedding itself.  We do insist on rehearsals taking no longer than an hour and prefer them to take place no later than 5:00pm. 

Can we decorate the ends of the pews?

Yes, but no decorations can be stuck on, and must be removed at the conclusion of the wedding.  It is also important to note that confetti/rice etc is strictly forbidden in the Church grounds.   Please ensure that your guests are aware of this.

Is there any car parking available within the church grounds?

 
We do have an underground car park.  Depending on when you are getting married, we may be able to make up to six car parks available to you.  The bridal car can however remain parked outside the Church in the courtyard area. 

Not all our guests are invited to the reception after the wedding. Can we serve them with cake at the end of the service?

Special approval will need to be given, but the foyer of the Church can be used for that purpose.

How much does it cost to get married at St John's in the City?

The following charges apply for those couples who are not members of the congregation and who have no historical link with St John's in the City:

If your wedding is being conducted by one of the ministers from St John's in the City, the total cost will be $650, which covers the use of the Church, Organist and flowers.

If your wedding, however, is to be conducted by a Minister from outside St John's, the total cost will be $750.

If you would prefer to arrange your own flowers and music, the total cost will reduce accordingly.

Is there anywhere on site to hold the reception?

We are very fortunate in having a Conference Centre here at St John's in the City which can be used for receptions.

For further information, please refer to the section on Facilities for Hire.

What is the next step?

If you still are interested in getting married at St John's in the City, please phone the Church Office on (04) 385 1546.