Marriage is one of the most significant decisions we make in life, and a wedding is one of the most special occasions we celebrate.

If you have become engaged and are planning a wedding then congratulations on your engagement. We wish you every joy and happiness as you prepare for and enter into marriage.

We believe God instituted marriage for His purposes and for our good. It is a great gift of God to men and women and we hope that you will come to experience how good it can be. It is our desire to be as helpful as possible and to ensure your wedding day is both a meaningful and happy occasion.

If you are considering being married at St Matthew's there are several things you must do.

1. Phone the church office (ph: 4577 3193) to find out if the church is available on the date you require. Book a tentative date, to be confirmed by the Minister.

2. Make an appointment to meet the Minister to begin planning your wedding. Expect to meet with the Minister on several occasions to prepare your wedding.

3. Consider attending one of St Matthew's congregations. We meet on Sundays at 8am, 10am and 5.30pm.

4. You will be required to attend 'Marriage Preparation classes' and 'Pre-marriage Counselling' which can usually be arranged at your convenience. The Minister will speak to you about this.

5. Expect to hold a wedding rehearsal the Thursday night prior to the wedding day, from 7.30 - 8.30pm in the Church.

6. Get Married!

Frequently Asked Questions

No doubt you have many questions regarding planning your wedding. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding getting married at St Matthew's which may be of some help to you in this early stage.

What days of the week could I have my Wedding at St Matthew's? Weddings usually take place on a Saturday. We can have up to two weddings on any given Saturday. On occasion a wedding can be organised for a Friday afternoon or on another day during the week. Weddings are NOT permitted on Sundays.

Can I use my own Marriage Service or write my own vows?
We are an Anglican Church, therefore we use the "Marriage" services from "An Australian Prayer Book" (1978). Minor variations are possible but only in consultation with the Minister from St Matthew's doing the Marriage.

Can anyone get married at St Matthew's?
We love holding weddings at St Matthew's, but we run a Christian Wedding ceremony. It is important therefore that the couple being married is sympathetic to the Christian values expressed in the wedding service and is not using the church merely for convenience or social reasons. Couples being married at St Matthew's must be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

I am divorced, can I still get married at St Matthew's?
In the case of divorce, remarriage is not automatically permitted in the Anglican Church. Permission needs to be sought by the Minister from the Regional Bishop on behalf of the couple. Speak to the Minister as applications are considered on a case by case basis.

Can guests throw confetti or rice over the bridal couple outside the church?
The simple answer is no. However we do permit the use of bubbles. We also do not permit scattering rose petals in or outside the church building.

Are photographers or videographers permitted to photograph/film the wedding service?
A photographer is permitted to photograph the service. As a courtesy, we request that the photographer introduce him/herself to the Minister prior to the service beginning. Videographers are not permitted without special arrangement with the Minister.

What costs are involved?
For 2009 the basic cost of a wedding service at St Matthew's is $800. This includes the use of the building, the Minister, marriage preparation, marriage documents, and the organist. Pre-marriage counselling is provided by Anglicare and is an additional cost. Couples are permitted to use the silk flower arrangements in the church, otherwise flowers are to be arranged by the couple at their own expense. Please advise the church office whether or not you intend to use the church flower arrangements.

How much notice do I need to give?
We require at least three months notice of an intended wedding. Bookings of course are subject to the Church being available. Please feel free to make further enquiries through the Office (ph: 4577 3193).

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Wishing you every blessing in all your wedding plans.
Yours in Christ,
Aleks Pinter - Senior Minister

IMPORTANT NOTICE St Matthew's Anglican Church, its buildings and grounds are a smoke free environment. Please advise your guests that SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED anywhere on church property. Thank you.