Weddings
We are accepting of all couples regardless of religious beliefs and previous marital experience. The wedding ceremony includes all you need for an occasion that is dignified, meaningful and, above all, joyful. Your wedding will include use of the church, the minister, a musician to play our organ, a rehearsal and the necessary administration. The wedding ceremony lasts for approximately 30 minutes, depending on how many readings you choose, the length of your music, etc.
When can we get married?
The advised booking period is at least eight weeks before the wedding. This allows time to meet with a Minister and organise the necessary paperwork with the Registrar for your wedding.
Who gets married at Barrhead URC?
People of all religions, backgrounds and cultures. We stand as a church inclusive and accepting of the world’s faiths. Though we ask that you respect the fact that this is a place of Christian worship and that aspect will be drawn upon in the service.
How do I book a wedding at Barrhead?
Pop along on a Sunday morning and have chat!
Are there any fees?
Yes if you marry in the church then you would need to pay for the various aspects of the ceremony. All will be explained when you meet the minister.
Any Questions?
| I am divorced and from a different religious background to my fiancée. Can we still get married at Barrhead? | Of course! Our policy is to marry anyone, from various religious backgrounds or past marital experience. |
| Do I need to be baptised in order to be married at Barrhead? | No. Though if you wish to be baptised, this can also be arranged on a separate occasion. |
| When can I come and see the church? | Please make an arrangement with the minister. You may also want to come to our Sunday Service at 11.15 am. This provides a great opportunity to hear the organ and see the venue.
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| How many people can the church seat? | The church can seat up to 80 people. Our minister conducts marriage services in a way that draws your family and guests into the intimate circle of the wedding party. This intimate atmosphere ensures that it does not matter if you have 5, 25 or 80 people attending your wedding service – whatever the number, it’s special. |
| Do I have to attend a relationship counselling course to be married at Barrhead? | No, however the Minister is happy to discuss any issues that you are concerned about when you meet together. |
| Can we have a rehearsal?
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We recommend a rehearsal in the church the day before or a couple of days before the wedding. The Minister will run through the service with you and answer any last minute questions you might have. |
| Can we bring in flowers and decorations? | Yes |
| Can we photograph and/or record a video of the service? | Yes. We encourage the use of photographers and video cameras. We ask that your photographer or video producer speak with the Minister before the wedding service.
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| What about Wedding Music | We are happy to try an accommodate anything that is reasonably memorable and helpful for you |
| Can we have a person (or people) sing at the wedding? | Yes, of course! A singer or singers can add a special feature to the service. |
| What do we have to do about the music, hymns etc? | Speak to the minister who will put you in touch with the organist |
| We are a same sex couple – will you marry us? | Of course! God doesn’t discriminate and neither do we! |
Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony
This is for any married couple who wish to reaffirm the love that has matured and deepened over the years or, perhaps, celebrate a special wedding anniversary. By renewing your marriage vows in a unique and personal ceremony is a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication. It is sometimes particularly relevant to those who have been through a difficult period and now wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other. Significant anniversaries are especially appropriate times for renewing your marriage vows whether it is after 5 years or 50 years – there is no set time: if it feels right the time is right.
Although many Vow Renewals take place at milestone anniversaries the ceremony is just as appropriate at any stage of marriage. It is also ideal for a couple who have married abroad and now wish to celebrate with those family and friends who were unable to attend the wedding. Some couples who were previously married in a Civil Ceremony may after careful consideration choose to add a Christian dimension to their marriage promises and we are happy to assist. Whilst the Renewal of Vows ceremony will have no legal status it is a public statement of your continuing love affection and commitment to each other.
Any married couple can arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony. It does not matter if you have been married before, as long as you are now legally married to the partner with whom you are having the ceremony. You do not have to be a member of Barrhead URC, but it would be nice if you joined us in our worship services and gave serious consideration to joining particularly if you live in the area.
A Church based Renewal of Vows Ceremony will have a Christian content and will be an enjoyable event in any circumstances.
Your Unique Ceremony
The minister will help to provide the framework for you to design your own ceremony. You will have the opportunity to discuss the content of your ceremony so you can create something that is unique for you, and your family and friends, to remember and cherish. No two ceremonies are exactly the same, and you are creating a unique event that you both will treasure and your guests will remember. Special people in your lives can take part in the ceremony – your children, guests from your wedding, or special friends and relatives. You can have music of your choice played on CD, or by live musicians if you wish, and you can have someone recite a poem or reading to enhance the ceremony. We can provide you with a choice of poems and readings.A special commemorative certificate is available and can be presented at the end of the ceremony.
Your ceremony will normally contain some, or all, of the following:-
Special music
Introduction and welcome
Acknowledgement of children of the marriage
Readings/poetryRenewal of vows
Giving and receiving, or re-dedication, of rings.
Message from minister & you may invite guests from your wedding to say something.
Signing of Commemorative Certificate
Closing words
Barrhead is a very special place and we will be happy to accommodate you and to celebrate your special occasion.