Your Wedding
Your Wedding at
The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of St Andrew
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone be married at St Andrew’s?
Yes. We have no requirement that one or both of you must be a member of St Andrew’s. One of you must be baptised. It does not matter if one or both of you are from another church or have no church background.
Can our wedding be conducted by our own or another Minister/ Pastor?
That depends. Other clergy may conduct weddings in St Andrew’s provided they are from one of the member churches of the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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 Andrew’s.
Does it matter if we are already living together?
No. We make no judgement on how other people have chosen, as responsible adults, to arrange their lives.
Do we have to attend any classes or courses?
Yes. We want couples to have the best opportunity to prepare for married life, as well as offering them an attractive venue and a sympathetic celebrant for their wedding. All couples marrying in St Andrew’s will be encouraged to attend a pre-marriage education course. You will have meetings with the priest who is conducting your wedding.
How many people does the church seat?
160 - 180 people can be comfortably seated, and more can be fitted in without too much trouble. Extra chairs can be arranged.
Do we have to come to church before the wedding?
No but yes. We make no demand that you do this, but we do feel it would be appropriate for you to get to know the people and the building where you are to marry. You are free to make your own decisions and choices.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes. In fact, you can write your own marriage service, with the assistance of the Vicar, drawing on a kit of resources we will provide you with.
Can we provide our own organist or other musician(s)?
Yes. We can also play recorded music if that is requested.
Can we arrange our own flowers?
Yes, but we ask you to leave one arrangement here for the Sunday Services. Flowers can be done by us.
Are there any restrictions as to when a wedding can take place?
The legal hours of marriage are between 6am and 10pm any day. Within reason we will conduct weddings on any day, including Sunday when the church is available, except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Can we decorate the ends of the pews?
Yes, by tying decorations on and removing them after the wedding service.
Do we need a rehearsal?
Yes. Most couples choose to have a rehearsal a day or two before the wedding day.
What about parking?
Availability of off-street parking depends on what else is happening in the buildings. We have off-street parking for 29 cars.
How much does it cost to get married in St Andrew’s
$50.00 booking fee for the church. This is non-refundable and is payable when you book the wedding
A suggested donation for the church is $500.00
Organist fee: $100.00 per hour or part thereof.
Flower fee: $170.00 if done by the church.
The other fees are paid a week before the wedding.
What do we do next?
To book your wedding you need to contact St Andrew’s priest.
Your wedding date and time will be booked.
A full information pack and a booking form will be sent to you.
You need to return the booking form with the booking fee for your wedding date to be confirmed.
You need to book yourselves into the pre-marriage education course at the same time as booking your wedding at St Andrew’s.
Priest: Rev Stephen Baxter
Phone: (09) 528 5162
Fax: (09) 528 5166
Address: 116 Selwyn Avenue Kohimarama
