What days of the week are we able to get married at St Alban’s Church Lindfield?

We conduct weddings every day except Sunday.

How long does the service go for?

Approximately 1 hour – depending on how many songs, Bible readings and prayers.

What marriage service do you use?

We use A Service for Marriage (Second Form) from An Australian Prayer Book 1978. Whilst written in contemporary English, it nevertheless maintains much of the beauty and gravitas of the traditional marriage service of the Book of Common Prayer that has been used world-wide since 1662.

Can we write our own vows?

No. We are only licensed to conduct services published by the Anglican Church.

Can we honour our parents during the service?

This is possible, but please speak to your pastor.

Can we have readings from poems, plays, novels or other secular sources during the ceremony?

Your wedding is a Christian service and therefore all readings need to be taken from the Bible. We suggest that you try to include any other readings at your wedding reception.

Do we need to sing at a wedding?

No, this is up to you. We recommend well-known and easy-to-sing hymns. Please see below for more information about music.

Can I tell my guests a different time to the time that was agreed upon with the church?

If the time you invite your guests to church differs from the scheduled time for your wedding, for whatever reason, please let us know so we are aware of this.

Am I allowed to have a page boy or flower girl?

Yes.

Can you provide musicians for the wedding?

Generally no. Often members will ask friends from church who serve in the worship team to play at their wedding. Others hire their own musicians. 

What music do we need to organise?

• Arrival – A playlist of music from a Spotify playlist as your guests arrive. Alternatively, your band may play some quiet background music.

• Processional – played as the bride walks into the church.

• Hymns – optional. These should be well-known and easy to sing.

• Signing of the register — a song played from a Spotify playlist or an item played by musicians.

• Recessional – played while the bridal party walk out of the church. Usually an upbeat, joyful piece of music.

Please note:

• You must seek approval from your pastor for your song selections.

• Please bring your playlist to your rehearsal and provide to the sound technician.

Can I look at the building?

Yes, come and visit our services at 8:30am or 10:30am on Sundays. Alternatively, you can arrange with our administrator to come by during the office hours (Tue, Wed or Fri 9am to 5pm). 

Is there parking available at Vine Church?

We permit one bridal car to be parked on the church grounds in the circular driveway at the front of the church. The council’s underground carpark opposite the church will be available for all other guests.

How many people does the church seat?

150 comfortably, 180 at an absolute squeeze.

What are the rules regarding decorating the church?

All decorations must be agreed to by the pastor and you must arrange to have them removed after the ceremony. The church must be left as it was found.

What are your rules regarding the use of petals, confetti or rice?

We request that your guests do not throw confetti or rice, either on church property or on the street. This is a safety and littering issue and we appreciate your co-operation. Genuine flower petals are fine for your guests to throw outside the church.

When can our florist, friends and musicians access the church?

The church is opened 1 hour prior to your ceremony and is kept open for half an hour after the ceremony. Please communicate with the pastor on the exact arrangement.

Can we serve refreshments after our ceremony?

Yes, you may serve refreshments in the upper hall. If this is the case, you will need to purchase Public Liability Insurance, and pay an additional fee for hiring the hall.

Do we need to pay the pastor or give him a gift?

No, but please show them your appreciation. Although it is your special day, it is for them a day away from their family. 

Do we need to invite the pastor to the reception?

No, you do not. The pastor does not expect to be invited to the wedding reception.

Are pre-marriage courses compulsory?

Yes. Don’t get bogged down preparing your wedding and fail to prepare for your marriage.

Can we have a rehearsal?

Yes, a rehearsal is covered in your wedding fee. Usually the pastor will organise this for in the week leading up to your wedding. 

We encourage you to organise the following people to be there. In order of importance at the rehearsal:

• Bride and groom

• The person walking the bride down the aisle (usually the bride’s father)

• The parents of the bride and groom (if they are a support to you)

• The bridesmaids

• The best man 

• The groomsmen

• The page boy and flower girl (optional)

• The person playing the processional and recessional

If you need musicians and others to check out things in the building, this is the time to do it.

Can we be married by a pastor from another church or a civil celebrant?

We allow external pastors if the following conditions are met:

• the character and doctrine of the pastor honours Christ,

• the pastor is on our list of approved denominations,

• the pastor is an authorised marriage celebrant, and

• the wedding rites have been reviewed and permitted from the Bishop.

Please note that we don’t host weddings with civil celebrants or wedding ceremonies in our hall but would love to discuss our ‘pastor + wedding’ package with you. 

How much notice do we need to give?

Legally you are required to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage form in the presence of the pastor at least one month & a day prior to the wedding. Apart from this, bookings are subject to the church being available. 

What is the booking availability like?

Our facilities are cherished by our community, where a variety of activities and events regularly take place. Saturdays are reserved for wedding ceremonies. We warmly welcome weekday weddings as well. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

Do you provide pre-marriage counselling or course?

Yes. Please chat to the pastor marrying you. This is compulsory for couples being married by one of the pastors from St Alban’s Church Lindfield.

Don’t get bogged down in wedding preparations and fail to prepare for your marriage. There is no pass or fail, rather it is a helpful opportunity to sit down together to discuss and explore the commitment you plan to make in marriage. A marriage is more than the wedding day, and pre-marriage counselling is well worth the investment. 

• Our Wedding Information Pack

• Wedding Application Form

• Notice of Intended Marriage

• Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage