Marriage

Holy Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, enabling husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, it is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses. (From the Church of England, A Common Worship).

Like baptism and the eucharist, marriage is a sacrament of God, a holy mystery. In marriage between a man and a woman, the destiny of human fellowship—redeemed, restored and transformed in the future kingdom of God—is signalled. This destiny was established in its origins, when God created humankind to be male and female.

More information on Christian marriage can be found here.

Weddings at Saint Peter’s

Located in the beautiful, leafy seaside suburb of Brighton, Saint Peter’s is the perfect venue for your wedding. We would be both delighted and honoured to share in your special day. To arrange your wedding or to enquire further about weddings at Saint Peter’s, please contact Jonathan, the vicar, on 0488 770 277 or at vicar@saintpeters.org.au.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book my wedding?

To book your wedding at Saint Peter's, you will need to:

• make an appointment to see the vicar

• pay a $150 non-refundable deposit

• bring copies of your birth certificates. For a second marriage, you will also need to bring evidence of death, nullity or divorce (as applicable). Please note the government requires a full birth certificate as evidence of identity (an Australian passport is no longer acceptable).

Who may be married?

Anyone may be married at Saint Peter's. Either the bride or groom—or both—should be a baptised member of the Christian Church. A divorced person may be married in the Anglican Church after permission has been obtained (through the vicar) from the Regional Bishop.

Who may marry us?

According to the rules of the Diocese of Melbourne, weddings in an Anglican Church must be conducted by an Anglican priest. This means that the vicar of the parish will marry you. He may be assisted by a priest or minister from another church in good standing with the Anglican Church of Australia.

When can I get married?

You may be married on any day of the week, including Sunday afternoon. The following days are not available: Christmas Day, Easter Day, Holy Week (including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve—Holy Saturday), and some other parish days. The vicar is happy to discuss dates and times with you.

Morning and afternoon weddings are available, with mid-afternoon being the most popular time. The time you book should be kept unless a change is agreed to by the vicar of the Parish.

What do I need to remember on the Big Day?

Please arrive in plenty of time. You will be far more relaxed if you have time to collect your thoughts before the ceremony begins. Brides should arrive in time to have photographs taken well before the wedding is scheduled to start: arrive early by about fifteen minutes, which will allow ten minutes for photographs, and five minutes to get ready for the bridal procession. By doing this, you will be able to make a relaxed, confident entry into the church.