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Congratulations!

Marriage is not only "an honourable
estate", but also a rewarding way to live out your commitment to one
another and to the communities of which you are a part. We wish
you well in the great adventure, and we are pleased as a Christian
community that you have sought our assistance in planning your wedding
ceremony in our community.
Rundle Memorial is a congregation of the
United Church of Canada, a union of Presbyterian, Methodist and
Congregational Churches formed in June 1925. Our community of
faith does have a number of regulations and guidelines for you to
follow, in order that both we, and you, may enter
this covenant with integrity.
1. We expect all couples being
married in our Church, or by our minister, to participate in a Marriage
Preparation course in their own community before they come to Banff for
the wedding. Many congregations all over the world offer such
courses, and we are happy if you are involved in one sponsored by your
believing community
In many cities, counselling agencies also
offer such courses. These are often rich and thought provoking. We
ask only that you do this, and send us some indication that you have
done so. You will enter your marriage more thoughtfully prepared
for the challenges and blessings of the relationship by virtue of this
educational experience. (To encourage and support adequate
preparation, we do
not perform weddings on short notice.)
2. We assume that at least one
member of the couple requesting marriage is involved in a Christian
community where they live. We'd like to know that, and if this is
not the case, then we will be interested to know and understand
why it is important for you to be married by a minister and/or in a
church. For those who might decide, after some further thought,
that a Christian wedding is not for them, we are more than willing to
provide contact information for a secular Marriage Commissioner.
3. If your wedding is celebrated in the Rundle Memorial
sanctuary, our minister will be the officiating clergy. Other
clergy may participate and share in the liturgy, but our minister will
be officially responsible for the wedding.
4. If you are requesting a wedding in a non-Church setting,
your request will be considered and discussed if:
a. The couple meets requirements
1 and 2; and,
b. A worshipful and Christian liturgy
is possible and desired.
In our part of the world, there are many beautiful "non-Church
settings", and we are willing to discuss the manner in which such a
service might celebrate the relationship of marriage as well as
honouring the Creator who has given us such beauty and such love.
5. Because a Liturgy of Marriage is a public service of the
Christian community and not simply a private ritual, the choice of
music, songs and readings should be appropriate for Christian worship.
Please consult the minister in this matter. The use of recorded
music is not permitted. Our Church organist / pianist is Tanya
Sullivan (403-679-3322)
<rtsully@telusplanet.net>.
She is also a good resource for music choices. Those planning a
wedding must make their own arrangements with our organist.
6. Because
the ceremony is a service of worship, we do not
allow flash pictures to be taken during the service.
Pictures may be taken during the processional and
recessional, as well as during the signing of the
register, but not during the service itself.
Video recording may be done if it can be without
lights, and from one unobtrusive position.
7. Guests will be asked not to use
confetti, rice or birdseed in the church or on the
church grounds.
8. For families who do not financially
support Rundle Memorial, the wedding fee is $750.00
(Canadian). You may wish to arrange for your
own minister or organist, but this must be clear at
the time of booking. All arrangements for
clergy other than those of this congregation shall
be made through the clergy of Rundle Memorial.
9. A wedding is booked formally upon receipt of a
deposit of $275.00 (Canadian) or the full amount for
the wedding. Please check at the time of
booking to ensure that your desired date and time
are still available. Deposit may be made by
cheque, in Canadian funds, made out to Rundle
Memorial United Church. Because a wedding fee
is not a charitable donation, no donation receipt
can be issued. Payment by credit card is not
available. The balance of payment is due no
later than the date of rehearsal.
Should you have questions or concerns you may reach
us by phone (403-762-2075) or fax (403-760-2736) or
via email at <rundleuc@telus.net>.
We look forward to
planning your Great Event with you!
Rundle Memorial United Church
P.O. Box 1086 * Banff,
Alberta, Canada * T1L 1B1
Policy 1998, revised
2004, 2006 Oct.
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