All you ever wanted to know about getting married in the Church but were afraid to ask!
We are delighted
that you are seeking to be married and even more pleased that you are
considering having your wedding with us in Stepps Parish Church. Please take
some time to read this. I hope that you will find the
information useful in the planning of your wedding. - Rev. MacRae
The legal requirements
Both parties must be at least 16 years of age. You will also require two witnesses, normally the Best Man and the Chief Bridesmaid, both of whom must be 16 or over to sign the papers. Obtain two copies of The Marriage Notice from a Scottish Registrar’s Office. Our local office is in Cumbernauld [telephone 01236 632740] Complete these and return them, along with your birth certificates, any divorce papers and the stipulated fee. This should be done no more than three months and not less than three weeks before the wedding.
One of you personally must uplift the Marriage Schedule sometime during the week prior to the wedding date. This Schedule must be brought to the church on the day of the wedding. There it is signed and witnessed. It then must be returned to the Registrar within three working days, otherwise the marriage is invalid.
Music
You need to decide if you would like the Church organist to play at your wedding. It is also possible to have someone else, such as a friend or family member, play. If this is the case it would be courteous to inform the Church organist and he would still be paid a fee.
In any event it is your responsibility to arrange for the music. The church organist is Alastair Sim, email him or, even better, come along and share worship with us (11am each Sunday). This will provide an opportunity to meet both the minister and the organist.
Photography
Photographs and video are allowed in the church. Photographers should liaise with the minister before the big day. Guests are asked not to use still or video cameras during the service.
Rehearsal
It is normal to have a wedding rehearsal, so that everyone involved knows what to do on the day. Those who need to attend are the bride and groom, the best man, the bridesmaids, the father of the bride (or whomever is ‘giving her away’). You should also bring with you: The Marriage Schedule, the fees and the Orders of Service.
Questions
If you have any ask me. Why?
- Because I’ve been to a lot of weddings!
- I am married!
- I won’t tell anyone about private conversations.
And Finally Love
The most important thing beyond all the legal and practical arrangements is
THAT YOU LOVE EACH OTHER and that you are totally committed to each other. You have chosen to be married in church. Therefore you will be married before God. The promises you make on your wedding day are the most important you will ever make. Please be aware of the sanctity of what you are planning. I hope that you can relax and enjoy your day and assure you of my prayers for a long and happy life together as husband and wife.
You can phone Rev Gordon Macrae on 07703 163206 or email on gmacrae@churchofscotland.org.uk,
