God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16
We believe marriage is a gift of God our creator. It is a symbol of God’s unending love for his people, and of the union between Christ and his Church. Christ loved his bride the Church, and gave himself for her.
If you are seeking a Traditional Christian Wedding in the beautiful Yarra Valley, we are here to help! Reverend Matt Smith is an authorized religious celebrant, licensed to perform weddings according to the Rites of the Anglican Church of Australia.
A Traditional Christian Service may be celebrated at a local venue in the Yarra Valley. Alternatively, we can host the service in one of our churches: St Paul’s in Yarra Glen and St John’s in Healesville. Only the ordained Anglican minister of the parish is pre-authorised to conduct a wedding service in one of our churches. The average Christian wedding is 30-40 minutes in length.
The fee for a wedding service conducted by our minister at a local venue is $800. For a wedding service hosted in one of our churches, the fee is $1100. This includes use of the church, rehearsal, ministry and administration. It does not include optional direct costs such as musicians, flowers, printing or photography.
For more detailed information, including terms and conditions, please contact our minister: minister@stjohnshealesville.org.au
The Ceremony
The words of the wedding service are set according to the rites of the Anglican Church of Australia. No other form of words may be used, including the vows. You are invited to select from appropriate bible readings and musical options.
THE WELCOME: The service begins with a welcome, a prayer, and a brief explaination of the purpose of marriage according to the Bible.
THE READINGS: Marriage services at our church will include two readings from the Bible. Readings other than the Bible may also be chosen in consultation with the minister. The couple being married are welcome to invite family or friends to do the readings they’ve selected.
THE WEDDING ADDRESS/MESSAGE: The minister will give a brief (less than 10 minute) address explaining the Christian vision of marriage with words of advice and exhortation to the marriage couple.
THE CONSENT: The minister addresses the groom and bride in turn, seeking their consent for this marriage.
Question: N, will you give yourself to N to be her/his husband/wife, to live with her/him according to God’s word? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honour and protect her/him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her/him so long as you both shall live? Response: I will.
THE VOWS: The couple, hand in hand facing one another, make their vows/promises.
I, N, in the presence of God, take you, N, to be my husband/wife: to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.All this I vow and promise.
THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS: As the ring is placed on the finger of the receiver, the giver says:
I give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage. With all that I am and all that I have I honour you; in the name of God.
THE DECLARATION & BLESSING: The minister pronounces the declaration and God’s blessing on the newly married couple.
Before God and in the presence of us all, N and N have joined hands and made their solemn vows, promising life-long faithfulness to each other. In the name of God, I declare them to be husband and wife.
What God has joined together, let no one separate.
God the Father lovingly enfold you, God the Son grace your home and table, God the Holy Spirit crown you with joy and peace. The Lord bless you and keep you in eternal life. Amen.
HYMNS & PRAYERS: Hymns to be sung by the congregation may be included along with musical items. Prayers are offered for the newly married couple as they begin their life together as husband and wife. A family member or friend (carefully chosen in consultation with the minister) may lead the prayers instead of the minister. The prayers conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, which is said by all.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.