Blessing of Relationship

Thank you for your interest in celebrating your commitment to each other in St Columba. The commitment to a life-long union is a very special one, and we are happy that you are thinking of making St Columba the setting for your ceremony. We hope that the following information will help to answer some of the more commonly asked questions.

If you would like to make tentative enquiries about celebrating your Covenant at Saint Columbas, please fill out our Covenant Enquiry Form.

Who may have such a service?

We have no requirement that one or both of the couple must be a member of St Columba or be an Anglican, or be baptised. It does not matter if one or both of you are from another church background, or no church background. However, a commitment made in St Columba is different from a ceremony which takes place in a garden or another location. We hope that couples who come to St Columba seeking God's blessing on their relationship will be open to a discussion of the spiritual nature of that relationship and the place of God in their lives.

Who may officiate?

Other clergy may conduct covenant ceremonies in St Columba in consultation with the Vicar of St Columba.

Do we have to attend a Course?

This is highly recommended. We regard this Covenant ceremony as a serious and significant undertaking, and so we believe you should prepare for your ceremony by seeking to understand more about each other, your relationship, and your hopes for the future. In addition to attending the two preparation sessions, you will have a meeting with the officiating Priest conducting your ceremony.

Can we write our own service?

Yes couples can write their own service and in consulation with the officating clergy to include words, promises, vows, poems, music, personal and exclusive to you. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is the text used for scriptural readings. Alternatively a liturgy can be provided to suit your needs.

Can we provide our own organist or other musician(s)?

Yes. But if the organ is used the organ fee must still be paid. We are happy to play recorded music if that is requested.

Are there any restrictions as to when a Covenant ceremony can take place?

We will conduct covenant ceremonies on any day, including Sunday, when the church is available, except for Good Friday and the Saturday of Easter weekend.

Do we need a rehearsal?

Other than very small ceremonies involving only the couple, we recommend having a rehearsal. This ensures that you are comfortable and that all participants in the ceremony are familiar with the service. Rehearsals are scheduled as St Columba calendar permits. While we try to accommodate the preferred date and time for a rehearsal, we cannot guarantee that your preference will be met.

Can we film the service?

Photographers and Videographers are welcome provided they are discreet

How much does it cost to have a Covenant ceremony at ST Columba?

There are two scales of fees: There are two scales of fees:

1. If your covenant is being conducted by one of the St Columba priests,

celebrants fee: $225

venue hire: $500

The total cost is $725(GST incl.)This covers the use of the church, meetings with the celebrant and rehearsal time. In addition to this there is a fee for using the organ of $100. The organ fee is payable whether you use our organist or invite your own.

2. If you want your covenant to be conducted by another celebrant, this person will need to be approved by the vicar of St Columba. The total cost for this arrangement is $500 (GST incl.) If you require the use of the organ, this will cost an additional $100

In all cases, a non refundable booking fee of $50 is requested to secure the venue. The other fees are paid a week before the event.

What do we do next?

To tenatively book your Covenant fill out our form or phone +64 9 3764229 to make an appointment with the Vicar. Once the booking has been confirmed and the fee is paid your wedding date will be confirmed either by phone or in writing.

St Columba Church

92 Surrey Crescent Grey Lynn
Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Telephone +64 9 376 4229, Fax +64 9 376 4225
Postal: P.O.Box 78-080, Grey Lynn Auckland 1030, New Zealand

Vicar: The Rev'd Dr Susan Adams
Associate Priest: The Rev'd Dr Keith King
Community Services Co-ordinator: Margaret Schoneveld
Web Master: Jennifer Gottschalk (Computer Plus)
For more mailing options, please use our email form.