Weddings offered by our church are considered as sacred times involving both a public celebration of love and a sense of God's presence in bringing two people to the point of entering into the covenant of marriage.

While marriage in the United Church is not considered a Sacrament, there is a high value placed upon the seriousness of the vows taken before God and in the presence of witnesses.  By marrying through the church, there is an affirmation that God is involved in the loving relationship of our lives, and this is especially so in the lifetime commitment of marriage.

We hope that in being married through our church you will consider an invitation to join our church family. 

May you consider Bracebridge United Church your spiritual home, offering an added source of strength and support for your marriage.

With these understandings, let us consider a number of topics related to the wedding service that you may be wondering about:

• The bride and groom are required to meet with the minister twice to prepare for your wedding day.  Appointments are to be arranged with the minister. This should occur well in advance of your wedding day. The minister will want to complete information forms, discuss your expectations in marriage, become acquainted with you and share ideas about the actual service so that it will be as personal and meaningful for you as possible.   

• The service is simple, reverent and dignified.  All that is said and done should help enhance the sense of worship as you meet with your friends and families in God’s presence.  Weddings vary in formality and style, as well as size, though the essential meaning of the rite is the same for everyone. The minister will review service possibilities with you and invite your input and suggestions. 

• Out of concern for the increasing number of marriage failures in our society, we encourage you to seek marriage preparation on subjects such as: communication, role expectations, sexuality, finances, religious practices, and a variety of other topics relating to a healthy life together as a couple.  We suggest you seek this out through a counsellor or marriage preparation course.