Weddings at Saint Columba Anglican Church

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 wedding 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 getting married at Saint Columbas, please fill out our Wedding Enquiry Form.

Can anyone be married at Saint Columba?

Yes. We have no requirement that one or both of the couple must be a member of St Columba or be an Anglican. It does not matter if one or both of you are from another church background, or no church background.

Can our wedding be conducted by our own Priest /Marriage Celebrant?

Yes. The policy of the St Columba community is that other clergy may conduct weddings in St Columba.

Does it matter if one of us has already been married?

No. A legally dissolved former marriage is not a barrier to a wedding at St Columba.

Does it matter if we are already living together?

No. Most weddings conducted in St Columba are of people who have already begun living together. We make no judgement on how other people have chosen, as responsible adults, to arrange their lives. In fact, your experience of life together before your wedding can be a good foundation for your future life together. Today's marraige is usually a public blessing of a journey already begun between two people.

Do we have to attend a course?

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

Do we have to come to church at St Columba before our wedding?

No. We make no demand on you to do this. But, we do feel it would be appropriate for you to get to know the worshipping community and the building where you are to marry. The Sunday service time is 10.30am at St Columba and 9.30 at St Cuthbert.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes. Couples can write their own service and in conculation 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. An organ fee is required weather you provide your own organist or ours. We are happy to play recorded music if that is requested. The space can also be used for your own live muscians and singers.

Can we arrange our own flowers?

Most of the year there are flower arrangements in the church. You are welcome to add to these arrangements, but must ensure any additional decorations are removed after the service. If you wish to replace the church flower arrangements, you must leave the new flowers in church for the Sunday service

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

The legal hours of marriage are between 6am and 10pm any day of the week. We will conduct weddings on any day, including Sunday, when the church is available, except for Good Friday and the Saturday of Easter weekend.

Can we decorate the end of the pews?

Yes, but adhesive tape and blue tack may not be used as they damage the pews. Decorations must be removed after the wedding.

Do we need a rehearsal?

Yes. It is important to have a rehersal before the wedding day.

Can we film the service?

Photographers and Videographers are welcome provided they are discreet.

Can we use confetti?

No. It is a mess to clean up and inappropraite to other services that may follow. Talk with the marraige celebrant about other possibilities.

How much does it cost to be married at ST Columba?

There are two scales of fees:

1. If your wedding 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 priest, rehearsal time, and two marriage preparation sessions with a qualified counselor. 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 wedding to be conducted by another priest or marriage 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 wedding venue. The other fees are paid a week before the wedding.

What do we do next?

To tenatively book your wedding fill out our form or phone +64 9 3764229 to make an appointment with the Vicar. Once the booking is made and the fee is paid your wedding date will be confirmed 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: Megan Crawford
Web Master: Jennifer Gottschalk (Computer Plus)
For more mailing options, please use our email form.