Weddings at St Thomas's

Marriage in church is a statement of belief in marriage as a life-long partnership. Marriage has both religious and Civil dimensions. The dignity and sacredness of your wedding will be helped by attending to the following details.

1. MARRIAGE PREPARATION: All couples marrying in the church are expected to be free from any impediment to marriage and to undertake one of the recommended marriage preparation programs. Your Priest Celebrant will give you information on the approved courses. The earlier you undertake the marriage preparation, the better, as the approach of your wedding day will distract you with many preoccupations.


2. CERTIFICATES: It is necessary to present an extract or certified copy of your birth certificates. The Catholic partner is required to present a recent copy of their baptism certificate. Christians are requested to present some evidence of baptism. These should be obtained early if either of you was born or baptized overseas. The birth certificates are necessary before signing the “Notice of Intended Marriage”.


3. CHARGES: There is a non-refundable booking fee of $100 to the parish, to reserve the date & time. There is a charge of $200 (unless you are registered members of the Parish Planned Giving) for use of the Church, and maintenance of the Pipe Organ & garden, the latter of course, is available for photos. Cheque payable to St. Thomas Parish.
   
   An offering is expected to be given to the celebrant, the standard fee for a civil or registry celebrant could be used as a guide - $250. At the rehearsal, the night or so before the wedding, is a good time to make the offering.


4. MUSIC: Your wedding should speak of the meaning of this day – love, friendship, togetherness, joy, hope and happiness. Hence the music should be in keeping with the sacredness of the occasion. The Pipe Organ is available and there is an organist’s fee ($100) Martin Rein Ph. 9470 5376, Sue Dardis Ph. 9384 7919, Dorothy Townsend Ph. 9384 2225 or Guitar and vocal groups are also acceptable. Guest musicians, in keeping with the sacred nature of a Church celebration, are welcome.


5. FLOWERS etc: Flowers may be brought to the church on Saturday morning. The Altar Society Ladies will arrange some flowers. You may wish to provide floral decorations, but they should remain in the church. Bows and small decorations may be placed on the aisle ends of the pews. Rose or flower petals, confetti etc. are not permitted and guests should be advised beforehand! Pre-school children should not be assisting the bridal party, it is expecting too much of pre-schoolers to be still & quiet.


6. PHOTOGRAPHS: Photographs and video recordings are acceptable, but photographers should be discreet, and so not conflict with the sacredness of the ceremony.

Fr. Brian O’Loughlin, Parish Priest.
Fr. Gavin Gomez, Assistant Priest.