Planning Your Ceremony
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My heart is like a singing bird
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To Love and To Cherish
Many couples find the traditional exchange of vows and rings profoundly moving and eternal. Others are inspired to combine tradition with unique contemporary dedications of love and commitment while other couples choose to write their own wedding vows to convey their feelings for each other and to express the love that unites them. Whatever you choose depends upon what best suits your personalities and are, of course, beautiful and special ways to express your love and promises to one other.
Involving Children
There are many meaningful ways for couples to include their children in their wedding ceremony: in the lighting of the Unity Candle, as a reader, as an attendant and witness, or as the ring bearer or flower girl. Some couples choose to give their child a ring or small gift immediately following the exchange of rings and vows, together with a hug and perhaps say a short statement letting the child know that he or she also is now part of the new family. Children can also escort the bride forward and give the bride away - this role is usually reserved for the father; but nowadays both mother and father together, stepfather, relatives, or children can play this important role.
Involving Family and Friends
Some couples pass the flame to represent the unity and support of family and friends for their marriage while others break bread and share wine as a act of sharing and caring. Couples can also give special recognition to their mothers: they may involve mothers in the Unity Candle ceremony; read something special to their mothers; or give their mothers each a bouquet of flowers or a rose as a token of their love and appreciation. Couples are welcome to invite friends and relatives to do readings, present a commendation, light candles, share their musical and vocal talents, etc.
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Meaningful Traditions
Couples are welcome to include the lighting of the Unity Candle in their wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two lives. Brides and grooms can invite their mothers or fathers to come forward to light the bride's candle and groom's candle while others present their mothers with roses during the ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to light candles to represent their unity in supporting the couple in their marriage. Some couples break bread and share wine as an act of sharing in a modern or traditional version of the age-old Eucharistic tradition.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. The centre candle is also called the 'Marriage Candle'. The bride and groom can have their parents [often the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom] come forward to light the side tapers as a symbol of the two families coming together as one. At this point, some couples choose to present their mothers with a rose. If you wish, the best man and the maid of honor, other representatives of each family, or the officiant can light the tapers. Or, you may light the tapers yourselves from a candle on the altar. If children are involved, there is an additional smaller candle for each child. The Bride and Groom light these candles, and then all together light the center Unity Candle. Couples who would like to honour the memory of loved one may wish to light a memorial candle.
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Spirituality
Couples who are not familiar with traditional religious customs, but would like to honour their marriage vows and make spirituality a meaningful part of the ceremony, are welcome to discuss an alternative order of service with our officiants. Officiants will gladly guide you and help you decide how to personalize rites or religious elements in ways that you find meaningful. For example, couples may want to include the lighting of a Unity Candle in the wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two tives. Or the bride and groom can present a beautiful rose to each other, giving recognition to the new and honourable title of "Husband and Wife".
Borrowing from native spiritual traditions, couples are most welcome to invite two or four sponsors chosen by the bride and groom to help the couple throughout their marriage by giving the couple spiritual and marital guidance should the need arise. Sponsors for this role can be a married couple[s] whom the bride and groom admire and hold in high esteem.
Christian Marriage Service
Couples planning a traditional Christian wedding ceremony are welcome to include a full nuptial Mass, complete with the Eucharist as an affirmation of faith and celebration of thanksgiving to God. Holy Communion [The Lord's Supper] should be included as part of the wedding ceremony by all practising Christians. You will receive a copy of the order of service when you book your wedding; alternative order of service can be discussed with the officiating priest. The choice of readings, hymns and music is yours. [The organist will require a consultative meeting to discuss your special music.]
READ OUR ARTICLES FOR MORE IDEAS
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First Things First...
Two of the most important things you need to do once you have finalized your wedding date are: book the Officiant and reserve the ceremony site. You can reach us day and night at 423.2651 or email info@halifaxweddingchapel.com. We will be delighted to discuss your marriage service with you. Please complete our Register of Marriage Form and return it when you book [it is a generic form and it is not necessary to answer every question]. You can submit it online or return a hardcopy. This information is for your church marriage certificate and our Register of Marriage. You can choose readings for your ceremony; write your wedding vows [if you choose]; and arrange to have music for the ceremony. You must obtain a marriage license. Other important things to do: prepare the necessary documents if you intend to change your name; and after your ceremony, order certified copies your "Registration of Marriage" document within fifteen to twenty working days.
Obtaining a Marriage License
A Marriage Licence must be purchased before two people can marry in the Province of Nova Scotia. The licence does not mean that you are married, but that you may get married. A licence can be purchased by appointment from a Deputy Issuer or from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations during regular business hours. Couples who live outside the Province of Nova Scotia can easily make a long distance application to obtain a Nova Scotia marriage license. Only one member of the couple needs to apply for the licence, but you will be asked to provide identification and proof of age for both the bride and groom. Information required with identification will include:
- Full name, including given names
- Age
- Marital status
- Current address
The provincial fee for a marriage licence is $113.75 and there is a five day waiting period between the day of application for the license and the date of issuance. The license expires one year from the date issued, unless a marriage is performed as authorized, so purchase your marriage license accordingly. For more information, call HRM Marriage Licenses at [902] 490.4000 or visit the SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA web information page. Additionally, officiants would require you to produce the following documents:
- Marriage license and photo identification
- If either party is divorced, proof of divorce (certificate of divorce or decree absolute)
- If either party is widowed, proof of death (death certificate, funeral director's statement of death or obituary notice)
In the province's "Registration of Marriage" document, you are required to provide genealogy information including fathers' given names, mothers' maiden name and given names, and parents' place of birth. Please complete items 4 to 27 on this very important legal document ahead of time.
We will register your marriage with the Province of Nova Scotia [Vital Statistics]. You will receive a church marriage certificate on the day of your wedding. We strongly suggest that you order a certified copy your provincial "Registration of Marriage" document, for your own records, in approximately fifteen to twenty working days. For more information on how to apply online or in person, please refer to The Vital Statistics Division of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations website.
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Location
We will be delighted to officiate at your location of choice, anywhere in the Province of Nova Scotia. The possibilities are endless...
Our officiants have and are scheduled to performed marriages at:
The Prince George Hotel, The Lord Nelson, Pier 21 National Historic Site, Westin Nova Scotian, The Haliburton, Halifax Club, Saraguay Club, Old Ashburn Golf Club, St. Mary's Boat Club, Sir Sanford Flemming Park, Delta Halifax, Delta Barrington, Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax Marriot Harbourview, Holiday Inn Select, Tall Ship Silva, World Trade and Convention Centre, Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Diman Lebanese Centre and Philae Shrine Temple in Halifax;
Ramada Plaza Hotel Dartmouth, The Links at Montague, Brightwood Golf and Country Club, Holiday Inn Harbourview, Banook Canoe Club, Oakwood House, Dartmouth Commons, Sullivan's Pond, DeWolfe Park, Glen Arbour Golf Course, Kinsmen Centre Lower Sackville, Inn on the Lake [Fall River], and the Sea King Club in Shearwater;
Crystal Crescent Beach, Peggy's Cove, Oceanstone Inn and Cottages, Granite Springs Golf Club, Grand Pre Winery, Rosewood on the Cove, Hubbards Cove Inn and Seaside Cottages, Oakfield Provincial Park, Uniake Estate, Stanfield Inn in Truro, Pictou Lodge Resort, DeCosta Centre in Pictou, Debert Hospitality Centre, Fort Point Museum in LaHave [County Lunenburg], at a farm in Margeree Bay [Cape Breton], and many other venues. We have traveled all over Nova Scotia including Peggy's Cove, Hubbards, Mahone Bay, Pictou, Truro, Chester Basin, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Seaforth, Dutch Settlement, Truro, Debert, Cape Breton... just to name a few choice locations.
We are honoured to serve as your wedding officiant at your location of choice or at our lovely chapel... absolutely anywhere else your hearts' desire! Simply let us know if you need more ideas for a unique setting for your wedding ceremony, we can help! Some ideas to consider for your wedding location:
- our Chapel at 2 Auburn Avenue in Halifax;
- on board tall ship;
- at any outdoor locale such as the beach or public park;
- at a resort, country club, inn or luxury hotel;
- outdoors or in a forest glen;
- in a historical home with scenic grounds or a garden;
- national historic sites
- at a museum or art gallery;
- aboard a train or airplane;
- outdoor sunset wedding;
- under the wide-open starry skies [very romantic!];
- a lovely and very personal wedding at your own home.
The adventurous, on the other hand, may prefer to take the plunge literally with a bungee or parachute jump together. Any extreme activity should take place after the final blessing, and introduction of the bride and groom. Please remember that the more exotic locations - aboard an offshore oilrig for example - will doubtless come with certain hidden costs that may require some very serious consideration.
For fresh air locales, you will want to reserve at least one tent; or have an alternate, indoor location as a backup.
To book the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada for an outdoor wedding ceremony please contact Danielle Renault of Parks Canada. For provincial sites, you can refer to Nova Scotia Provincial Parks and Beaches for booking requirements, or contact the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. To explore all the city and surrounding area has to offer please visit: Halifax. To book a designated HRM park site for your outdoor wedding ceremony, you can contact HRM's Outdoor Facility Scheduling Office or view Weddings in HRM . Within Halifax Regional Municipality [HRM], the following parks sites are available to you 10 am to 7 pm, May to October:
- Sir Sanford Fleming Park [Dingle Road off of Purcell's Cove Road];
- DeWolfe Park [end of Convoy], Sullivan's Pond [Crichton Avenue];
- Dartmouth Common [off Alderney Drive];
- St. Mary's Boat Club grass area [end of Fairfield Road off of Jubilee Road];
- Ferry Terminal Park [off Alderney Drive by Ferry Terminal];
- Fish Hathery Park [Bedford Highway at Shore Avenue];
- Seaview Park Western end [Barrington Street];
- Cornwallis Park [Barrington Street at South Street];
- Small wedding only with 15 to 20 people - Hemlock Ravine Park by Heart Shape Pond [Kent Avenue off of Bedford Highway]
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Cross-Cultural and Ethnic Celebrations
Contemporary weddings that blend two or more cultures may be as subtle as a couple with Irish and Scottish heritage, or as dramatic as a couple who grew up on different continents. We have also been very fortunate to have been included in very inspiring and amazing wedding celebrations such as traditional Ukranian, Polish, Jewish, Chinese, etc.
Some couples choose to blend their heritages together for a totally unique ceremony and a special experience for everyone attending. Your heritage and personalities are what makes you unique: it is also a gift you can share with your guests and a way to unite families together. Let your wedding an extra special experience for everyone attending!
We have celebrated bilingual ceremonies in Spanish-English and French-English; and been priviledged to help couples deliver their wedding vows in Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Polish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese... Many of the most touching and beautiful readings we have ever encountered were poems and blessings composed by the parents of the Bride and Groom in their mother tongue.
Contemporary and Creative Celebrations
We offer you maximum flexibility to allow you to plan your wedding ceremony the way you wish it. Whether you focus on the love that unites you, infuse elements of your cultural background into your wedding ceremony or honour family traditions, our officiants, who have traveled and lived the world over, will be delighted to help you design your ceremony. For a contemporary or a traditional wedding ceremony with a twist of modernity, include some of the world's most Romantic Readings that speak of the love you share. We will be very happy also to officiate ethnic wedding ceremonies at the chapel or on location.
Our simple request is for you and your guests to remember that, no matter how the service is structured, our Creator is present with us and must be accorded all due respect.
For Those who March to the Beat of a Different Drum...
- Medieval Wedding Ceremony: choose Celtic Music; have a harpist or live Minstrels playing; have fresh flowers in your hair; and travel in a horse drawn carriage.
- All Dressed Up: invite your wedding guests to dress in Medieval clothing or as characters from your favourite era, opera, fairytale, book or movie.
- Celebrate a Harvest festival or Autumn splendour wedding.
- Celebrate a winter wonderland wedding.
- Invite a string quartet, jazz trio or choir to perform.
- Your dog as ring bearer.
SAMPLE UNITY CANDLE CEREMONIES, READINGS, BLESSINGS, AND PRAYERS
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General Chronology of Events
Location outside of Church building will dictate variances and modifications. Some stages are non-essential and modifications can be made.
- Ushers seat the guests [Prelude playing]
- Mothers / Parents / VIPs enter [Special music begins]
- Parents of the Bride and Groom are seated
- The Celebrant and Groom enter and proceed to the front
- The Bridal party enters and proceeds to the front
- The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front, and are seated
- Music concludes for bridal party
- The Celebrant asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride
- Music begins for the Bride's entrance [Processional music]
- The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom
- Bride's music concludes.
- Opening commentary
- "Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and Groom
- Ministry of the Word
- Special music [musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance]
- Gospel reading [if Eucharist / Holy Communion follows]
- Homily and/or Commendation of Bride and Groom
- The Marriage [Traditional or customized]
- The Prayers
- The Blessing of the Marriage
- Bride and Groom light Unity Candle or perform Rose Ceremony [if included]
- The Peace
- Introduction of the new couple by the Celebrant
- Eucharist / Holy Communion [if included]
- Registration
- Recessional music begins - Bride and Groom exit
- Bridal party exits and forms reception line
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A Few Suggestions for Music, Readings and Prayers...
Wedding Music
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Air on the G String from Orchestral Suite No.3 in D
- Pachelbel - Canon in D
- Franz Schubert - Ave Maria, Op.52 No.6 [D. 839]
- Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Jesu bleibet meine Freude from Cantata, BWV 147 [Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring]
- Wagner - Bridal Chorus [Wedding March from the Opera Lohengrin]
- Mendelssohn-Bartholdy - Wedding March
- Jeremiah Clarke - The Prince of Denmark's March [Trumpet Voluntary]
- Tchaikovsky - Romeo And Juliet [Love Theme]
- George Friedrich Handel - Water Music Suite [Air, Processional, Adagio, Andante]
- George Friedrich Handel - Royal Fireworks [Processional]
Romantic Readings
- Love is patient, love is kind ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Hand Ceremony
- "Marriage Joins Two People in the Circle of Its Love" by Edmund O'Neill
- "Why Marriage" by Mari Nichols
- Excerpt from "The Art of a Good Marriage" by Wilferd Arlan Peterson
- "Foundations Of Marriage" by Regina Hill
- "Blessing For A Marriage" by James Dillet Freeman
- Traditional Irish Blessing; Apache Marriage Blessing [Benediction]; Navajo Wedding Prayer; the recital of the traditional Jewish Seven Blessings [Sheva Berakhot] to celebrate the connection between the bride and groom to God; various benedictions and blessings from the Christian tradition
- Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together... [Anonymous]
- Excerpt from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" by Dr. Lannis
- From "The Irrational Season" by Madeleine L'Engle
- "Love Is Friendship Caught Fire" by Laura Hendricks
- "A History of Love" by Diane Ackerman
- "On Love" by Thomas A Kempis
- "I Love You" by Roy Croft
- "I Am Love"
- "Sonnet XLIII", from "Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- William Shakespeare ~ "Sonnet 18", "Sonnet 116", "The Merchant of Venice", Act 4, Scene 1 [spoken by Portia]
- Song of Solomon 2 and 8 from the Bible
BACK TO CONTEMPORARY CEREMONIES
Sacred Arias and Choruses
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Bist du bei mir [You are with me]
- Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria
- Franz Schubert - Ave Maria
- Faure - Pie Jesu [Gentle Jesus]
- Cesar Franck - Panis Angelicus [O Lord Most Holy]
- Mozart - Ave verum corpus, K.618
- Mozart - Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165
Sample Selection of Scripture Readings
- Love is patient and kind [1 Corinthians 13:1-13]
- Love one another as I have loved you [John 15:9-12]
- Many waters cannot quench love [Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7]
- A man cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh [Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24]
- Male and female he created them [Genesis 1:26-28]
- Walk in love, as Christ loved us [Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33]
- The Father from whom ever family is named [Ephesians 3:14-19]
- Love which binds everything together in harmony [Colossians 3:12-17]
- Let us love one another for love is of God [1 John 4:7-16]
- They are no longer two but one [Mark 10:6-9,13-16]
- The Beatitudes [Matthew 5:1-10]
- You are the light...Let your light so shine [Matthew 5:13-16]
- Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock [Matthew 7:21,24-29]
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Keepsakes
In addition to your legal documents and church certificate, you may special order a deluxe 12"x12" marriage certificate [also suitable for framing] along with the Brides' Keepsake Bible. You may also wish to have your own keepsake Unity Candles ready to light on your special day. Some couples choose to print programs for their wedding ceremony; have wedding guests sign and write thoughtful words in a guest book or on a photo mat surrounding your favorite engagement or wedding picture; or to publish announcements in the local newspaper.
NEXT: OUR REGISTER OF MARRIAGE
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