• If flowers are to be delivered, arrangements must be made with the Wedding Hostess at last one week prior to the Wedding.
• Arrangements should be made to decorate the church with the Wedding Hostess.
• Flower stands and candelabras are available.
• If candles are to be used, we ask you to provide the necessary number of candles (Fourteen for the candelabra, and/or two for candle-lighting - "Two Become One" ceremony).
• Slow-burning and drip-less type (beeswax) candles are preferred.

• It is important to arrange for your wedding well before the proposed date.
• Making sure of this in advance is necessary before finalizing your plans for a reception hall, the printing of invitations, etc.
• Please take time to complete the application form and submit it to the Church Office as soon as possible
• The church office may be contacted:
  Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;
  Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• The fees for weddings at Ryerson are reviewed annually by the committees responsible and approved by the Official Board.
• Please discuss the fees with the Minister or the Church Secretary.
• Fees include Minister, Organist, Custodian/Wedding Hostess, use of the Church, and Marriage Preparation Resources.
• A deposit of $100.00 is required when booking your wedding.
• The balance of fees, together with your Marriage Licence are to be in the church office two weeks prior to your wedding date.
• Please make all cheques payable to Ryerson United Church.

• A variety of options regarding the availability of such opportunities will be provided to you during your interviews with the minister.
• While the maturity of your decision to be married and share life together should be the governing factor in your decision to attend such a course, our church requires that you take this course.

• A Marriage Licence is obtained at Hamiton City Hall or at any Municipal Service Centre in the Municipalities.
• It is your responsibility to meet whatever requirements you need for issuing this licence.
• Call ahead if you have any questions in this regard.
• Currently, licences are good for 90 days and there is no waiting period.
• We ask that you bring the licence into the Church Office, seven to fourteen days before your wedding date so we can complete the required paperwork to register your marriage.

• Interviews with the minister are highly recommended.
• Several interviews will be scheduled with the minister to assist in knowing whom you are, what your dreams and aspirations for your marriage are, and what plans you may have for the wedding ceremony.
• This is your opportunity to make your wedding as unique and personal as you are.
• Enjoy this time together and remember that the church is always there for you, not just in this celebration of marriage, but also in the future.

Photographs and Videography

• As a Christian Wedding is a service of worship, we ask that no flash photography be taken from the time the minister begins the service until the benediction is pronounced.
• Your professional photographer may take pictures during the ceremony from the back, without flash.
• Videotaping will be permitted, but only from a fixed position arranged in consultation with the minister.
• Both should attend the rehearsal, where possible.

Wedding Music

• Music for the wedding is your responsibility.
• Arrangements should be made directly with the organist.
• In addition, there are excellent hymns or songs that can be sung by family and friends as part of your wedding service.
• Please ensure that the organist is consulted well before the wedding date and that the music for the pieces you have chosen is available.
• It is suggested that these arrangements be in place at least 30 - 45 days before your wedding

Wedding Receptions

• If it is your desire to have the Minister and his wife attend your wedding reception, please extend the invitation early in your planning.

Wedding Rehearsal

• The rehearsal will be held at the convenience of the Wedding Party and Staff of the Church.
• Please discuss the rehearsal time arrangements with the Minister and/or Wedding Hostess at the time you confirm the date of your wedding.
• It is expected that all members of the wedding party and those taking part in the service will be in attendance, and that the rehearsal will begin on time.

Planning the Service

• During your time with the minister you will be prompted and encouraged to explore ways in which you can make your wedding service uniquely yours in every way.
• There are many resources available to you in community libraries and bookstores. Use them in planning your day.