Answers to some FAQs
CAN ANYONE BE MARRIED IN SAINT LUKES?
Yes. We have no requirement that one or both of you must be a member of St Lukes, or be a Presbyterian, or be baptised. It does not matter if one or both of you are from another or no church background.
CAN OUR WEDDING BE CONDUCTED BY OUR OWN OR ANOTHER MINISTER / PASTOR?
No. Wedding ceremonies in St Lukes church are conducted by the St Lukes minister. This is a service we are happy to make available to couples whether or not they are already linked with St Lukes.
DOES IT MATTER IF ONE OF US HAS ALREADY BEEN MARRIED OR IN A CIVIL UNION?
No. A legally dissolved former marriage or civil union is not a barrier to a wedding in St Lukes. If you are currently in a civil union as a couple, the civil union must be dissolved before you can marry one another.
DOES IT MATTER IF WE ARE ALREADY LIVING TOGETHER?
No. Most weddings conducted in St Lukes are of people who have already begun living together. We make no judgement on how other people have chosen, as responsible adults, to arrange their lives. In fact, your experience of life together before your wedding can be a good foundation for your future life together.
DO WE HAVE TO HAVE 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 Lukes must attend the pre-marriage education course described in the enclosed leaflet. In addition, you would have two or three meetings with the St Lukes minister conducting your wedding.
DO WE HAVE TO COME TO CHURCH AT ST LUKES BEFORE OUR 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 get to write your own marriage service, drawing on a kit of resources we provide for you.
WHICH DOOR WOULD WE USE? 
The entrance in the tower facing Remuera Road (the glass doors) is used for weddings. Wheel-chair access is available through the main entrance up the drive.
CAN WE PROVIDE OUR OWN ORGANIST OR OTHER MUSICIAN(S)?
Yes. But the fee to the St Lukes organist is paid whether he is used or not. Any other organist needs to be approved by the St Lukes organist. We are happy to play recorded music if that is requested.
CAN WE ARRANGE OUR OWN FLOWERS?
Maybe, but.. We would prefer to use our own arrangers who are experienced in providing appropriate arrangements in St Lukes. They would ask for your preference in types of flowers and colours.
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, the Saturday of Easter, and Christmas Day.
CAN WE DECORATE THE ENDS OF THE PEWS?
Yes, by tying any decorations on, and removing them after the wedding.
DO WE NEED A REHEARSAL?
Most people choose to have a rehearsal the day before the wedding day.
HOW ABOUT PARKING? Availability of parking depends on what else is happening in the buildings. We usually reserve the 11 spaces in the car park on the Newmarket side of the church for family.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE MARRIED IN SAINT LUKES?
The total cost of your wedding being conducted by one of the St Lukes ministers is $801.11 ex gst
(A) Booking fee: $50.00 (GST excl)
(B) Wedding fee: $520.00 (GST excl) [Covers use of the church, minister, and organist. There is an additional call out fee if the organist is required for a rehearsal or consultation]
(C) Flower fee: $260.00 (GST incl)
The non-refundable booking fee is paid when you book the wedding. The other fees are paid a week before the wedding.
WHAT DO WE DO NEXT?
To book your wedding, you need to contact the minister, asking for your wedding to be conducted by him, or one of the other ministers associated with St Lukes. Your wedding will be pencilled in. 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 will then need to book yourself into the pre-marriage education course at the same time as booking your wedding at St Lukes.
Minister: David J Clark
email: david@stlukes.org.nz
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