Wedding Information
Congratulations on your engagement! We are glad that you are considering being married at Christ Church Lavender Bay. We love doing weddings at our church, as weddings celebrate God’s good design for the union of a man and a woman for life.
Christ Church Lavender Bay is the perfect venue for your celebration. Our beautiful church building and gardens are an oasis on the doorstep of North Sydney CBD, with an amazing view of Sydney Harbour and the Bridge. The building can seat up to 180 in the fixed seats and we can add another 70 removable chairs if necessary.
Our staff look forward to working closely with you to create your perfect wedding day.
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
In a Christian marriage service, you make your vows before God (and your family and friends), listen to God’s word as it appears in the Bible, and pray for God’s guidance and blessing on your life together.
You may want to know more about the Christian faith and Christian life. We will certainly be glad to help you grapple with the big issues of life and to gain a Christian perspective and understanding. From time to time there are also opportunities at Christ Church to take part in short courses, which explain the Christian faith. Please ask about these.
THE CHRIST CHURCH FAMILY
The approach to Christ Church is really a request for one of its ministers to celebrate your wedding, so it is important to get to know you between now and then.
Because the wedding takes place in a building, which belongs to the people of Christ Church, we encourage you to join the weekly 10am Sunday congregation or The Gathering which meets at 5pm every Sunday. Christ Church is, above all, a community of people, who will give you a very warm welcome.
It is very special if you can host your family and friends at “your church” because it is where you have worshipped.
THE SERVICE
An Anglican service of Marriage is used which must be taken by an Anglican minister, usually one of the ministers at Christ Church. One of our ministers will be assigned to you personally. Details of the service can be discussed at a meeting with the officiating minister, usually 6-8 weeks before the date of your wedding. A separate sheet sets out suggested hymns and Bible readings, although you are free to suggest alternatives. In addition, examples of Orders of Service prepared for previous marriages at Christ Church are available to assist in your own preparation.
Weddings can be conducted on any day of the week except Sunday.
PREPARATION
We strongly recommend that you take part in some formal preparation for your marriage. We offer PREPARE Marriage Preparation. This is an excellent pre-marriage survey and consultation. It clearly identifies strength and growth areas in your relationship and provides a tool box of useful relationship resources that you can use for years to come. After completing the online survey, you will meet with a PREPARE facilitator for feedback (approximately four to six, one hour sessions).
MEETING WITH YOUR MINISTER
A Notice of Intended Marriage form is filled in and signed. You will need to bring your original Birth Certificates and Photo ID to complete this form. If either of you have been divorced you will need to discuss this with the minister.
FLORAL & OTHER DECORATIONS
The church florist supplies flowers for weddings. The minimum requirement is two vases for the communion table but many choose to have additional arrangements. The flowers are left in the church for the following Sunday. Bows for the pew ends are available in the church for your use.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is permitted in the church but photographers are asked to be discreet. Photographs taken during the ceremony itself should be taken without distraction. The golden rule is to not come between the bride and the guests.
Most photographers understand the need to respect the occasion they are recording, however, please ask your photographer to arrive in good time to discuss the protocol outlined above with the officiating minister.
VIDEO
As with photography, video camera operators are asked to film during the service without the use of special lighting and to be as inconspicuous as possible.
MUSIC
Christ Church possesses a fine organ and a grand piano. The church organist/pianist usually plays for weddings in the church. He is very willing to help you with your choice of music and can suggest soloists and other musicians if you require them.
You may also provide your own musicians or pre-recorded music.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
You are welcome to use the grounds of the church for photos after the ceremony. You can also book the church and grounds for light refreshments after your wedding ($100 per hour). We recommend using a qualified caterer to manage your food and beverage needs. Our preferred caterer is “Karen Will Cater”, www.karenwillcater.com.au
LIVE STREAMING
We have Live-Streaming capabilities for weddings. A fixed camera live-streamed via our website is $100. Multiple cameras with dynamic pan and zoom shots requires a specialised operator and costs $400.
WEDDING FEES
$2400 for weddings booked and deposits received after 1 July 2021
$2640 for weddings booked and deposits received after 1 Jan 2023
The wedding package includes: meeting with a minister and completion of statutory paperwork; four feedback sessions of the PREPARE course with a trained PREPARE facilitator (PREPARE survey cost of $45 paid direct to PREPARE by couple); use of the heritage church building and grounds for the rehearsal and wedding; pew ribbons; fresh flowers; verger; organist and of course the minister for the rehearsal and wedding.
A $200 non-refundable deposit will secure your wedding date. The balance of $2,200 or $2,440 (plus extra's as above) is payable 30 days before the wedding.
Christ Church was completed in 1872 and, because of its age, the sandstone requires continuous attention and this is what most of your donation goes towards.
CHECK LIST
Christ Church Lavender Bay is the perfect venue for your celebration. Our beautiful church building and gardens are an oasis on the doorstep of North Sydney CBD, with an amazing view of Sydney Harbour and the Bridge. The building can seat up to 180 in the fixed seats and we can add another 70 removable chairs if necessary.
Our staff look forward to working closely with you to create your perfect wedding day.
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
In a Christian marriage service, you make your vows before God (and your family and friends), listen to God’s word as it appears in the Bible, and pray for God’s guidance and blessing on your life together.
You may want to know more about the Christian faith and Christian life. We will certainly be glad to help you grapple with the big issues of life and to gain a Christian perspective and understanding. From time to time there are also opportunities at Christ Church to take part in short courses, which explain the Christian faith. Please ask about these.
THE CHRIST CHURCH FAMILY
The approach to Christ Church is really a request for one of its ministers to celebrate your wedding, so it is important to get to know you between now and then.
Because the wedding takes place in a building, which belongs to the people of Christ Church, we encourage you to join the weekly 10am Sunday congregation or The Gathering which meets at 5pm every Sunday. Christ Church is, above all, a community of people, who will give you a very warm welcome.
It is very special if you can host your family and friends at “your church” because it is where you have worshipped.
THE SERVICE
An Anglican service of Marriage is used which must be taken by an Anglican minister, usually one of the ministers at Christ Church. One of our ministers will be assigned to you personally. Details of the service can be discussed at a meeting with the officiating minister, usually 6-8 weeks before the date of your wedding. A separate sheet sets out suggested hymns and Bible readings, although you are free to suggest alternatives. In addition, examples of Orders of Service prepared for previous marriages at Christ Church are available to assist in your own preparation.
Weddings can be conducted on any day of the week except Sunday.
PREPARATION
We strongly recommend that you take part in some formal preparation for your marriage. We offer PREPARE Marriage Preparation. This is an excellent pre-marriage survey and consultation. It clearly identifies strength and growth areas in your relationship and provides a tool box of useful relationship resources that you can use for years to come. After completing the online survey, you will meet with a PREPARE facilitator for feedback (approximately four to six, one hour sessions).
MEETING WITH YOUR MINISTER
A Notice of Intended Marriage form is filled in and signed. You will need to bring your original Birth Certificates and Photo ID to complete this form. If either of you have been divorced you will need to discuss this with the minister.
FLORAL & OTHER DECORATIONS
The church florist supplies flowers for weddings. The minimum requirement is two vases for the communion table but many choose to have additional arrangements. The flowers are left in the church for the following Sunday. Bows for the pew ends are available in the church for your use.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is permitted in the church but photographers are asked to be discreet. Photographs taken during the ceremony itself should be taken without distraction. The golden rule is to not come between the bride and the guests.
Most photographers understand the need to respect the occasion they are recording, however, please ask your photographer to arrive in good time to discuss the protocol outlined above with the officiating minister.
VIDEO
As with photography, video camera operators are asked to film during the service without the use of special lighting and to be as inconspicuous as possible.
MUSIC
Christ Church possesses a fine organ and a grand piano. The church organist/pianist usually plays for weddings in the church. He is very willing to help you with your choice of music and can suggest soloists and other musicians if you require them.
You may also provide your own musicians or pre-recorded music.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
You are welcome to use the grounds of the church for photos after the ceremony. You can also book the church and grounds for light refreshments after your wedding ($100 per hour). We recommend using a qualified caterer to manage your food and beverage needs. Our preferred caterer is “Karen Will Cater”, www.karenwillcater.com.au
LIVE STREAMING
We have Live-Streaming capabilities for weddings. A fixed camera live-streamed via our website is $100. Multiple cameras with dynamic pan and zoom shots requires a specialised operator and costs $400.
WEDDING FEES
$2400 for weddings booked and deposits received after 1 July 2021
$2640 for weddings booked and deposits received after 1 Jan 2023
The wedding package includes: meeting with a minister and completion of statutory paperwork; four feedback sessions of the PREPARE course with a trained PREPARE facilitator (PREPARE survey cost of $45 paid direct to PREPARE by couple); use of the heritage church building and grounds for the rehearsal and wedding; pew ribbons; fresh flowers; verger; organist and of course the minister for the rehearsal and wedding.
A $200 non-refundable deposit will secure your wedding date. The balance of $2,200 or $2,440 (plus extra's as above) is payable 30 days before the wedding.
- These can be paid by cash, cheque or direct credit to “Christ Church Lavender Bay”.
- Please include surname and wedding date on payment.
Christ Church was completed in 1872 and, because of its age, the sandstone requires continuous attention and this is what most of your donation goes towards.
CHECK LIST
- Attend Christ Church Services. By having your wedding at Christ Church, you are getting more than just a building and minister. As a church, we will be praying for your wedding and marriage. We hope that you will view the church as more than just a venue, but as a community of people who love Jesus and want to get to know and support you. We hope you will join us for church at 10am or 5pm Sundays
- Complete a Wedding Request Form. Email to alice@cclb.org.au
- Secure your wedding date & time. This is done by providing a $200 non-refundable deposit.
- Meeting with a minister. One of the ministers at Christ Church will contact you after you have paid your deposit. At this meeting, you will need to bring your original Birth Certificates to complete the Notice of Intent to Marry form (NOIM). Discuss wedding planning and the Order of Service sheet.
- PREPARE. Complete the online survey and attend the four personal feedback sessions with one of our PREPARE facilitators.
- Talk to the organist about music.
- Pay balance of fees, no less than 30 days before your wedding date.
- Confirm Order of Service Sheet with minister before printing
- Rehearsal. This is normally done the day before the wedding. Sign statutory declaration and walk through the service.