Bloor Street United Church is an Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Canada. This means, among other things, that we perform same-sex as well as opposite-sex weddings. The following information applies to both.

A wedding is an occasion for commitment and joy. We believe it is an earnest covenant, made between two people, in the presence of God and in the midst of family, friends and witnesses. The hub of this whole religious service is the promises which you state to each other
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Your wedding is one of the most important moments in your life and you will have plans to make, questions to ask and alternatives to consider. The Minister and Council of Bloor Street United are anxious to show their interest and support of you and hope this brief manual regarding weddings in the church will be helpful.

Couples who, in all honesty, do not accept Christian beliefs and who do not have or intend to have any active relationship with the church should consider a secular or civil ceremony, now available at City Hall.

The church is more concerned about the marriage than it is about the wedding. In other words, it is one thing to make practical arrangements for a wedding; it is another to be as well prepared as possible for marriage with all its responsibilities and demands as it is to be educated for one’s daily work. So, a number of area churches sponsor a Preparation for Marriage Course, and similar courses are offered by other churches and agencies in the area. We strongly recommend that couples to be married in the church attend one of these courses.

Interview With The Minister
It is usual to meet with the minister a number of times before the wedding service to discuss your immediate and future plans, and to become familiar with the service.

It is not unusual during the spring, summer, and early fall for there to be two or more services on any given weekend. You are asked to contact the minister before any change of an agreed upon time is made.

The Service
It is expected that a Bloor Street United Church minister will officiate at wedding services in this church. However, there are times when another minister may be requested to assist, and this should be cleared through discussion as soon as possible.

Except in cases of private or more informal services in chancel or parlour - a rehearsal is necessary. A convenient time, usually the evening before the service, is agreed on and all those involved in the service should be present. Please be on time since more than one rehearsal may be scheduled for an evening.

Photographs
To insure that the presence of a designated photographer does not interfere with the service, restrictions must be placed on the taking of photographs during the service. The photographer must consult briefly with the minister before the service begins. Others may take pictures as participants enter and leaves but not during the ceremony. Arrangements can be made for videotaping the service, if the camera is left stationary.

Confetti/Rice
We request that confetti or rice not be thrown in the church building.

Fees
1. For all :
Organist: $200.00
Minister: $200.00
Minister (off site): $250.00

2. For members
Administration Fee: $ 64.20 (includes GST)

3. For non-members
Rental Fee: $535.00 (includes GST and Administration Fee)

Fees are to be paid ten business days in advance of the wedding. Please make out separate cheques for the Organist, the Minister and Bloor Street United Church (for the rental fees, where applicable, & administration fee.)

Marriage Licence
By provincial law, a Marriage Licence must be secured at least three days before the date of the wedding. For information on obtaining a licence in Toronto, visit the city’s website at: toronto.ca/registry-services/marriage.htm. We would urge that the licence be secured well before that and brought to the church office at least 10 days before the wedding. Your licence will only be accepted if it is accompanied or preceded by the fees. Please fill in the form carefully and completely, but do not sign it. The signatures are added after the ceremony.

Reception In The Church
Facilities are available at Bloor Street United for receptions, but an outside caterer is necessary. Details may be discussed with the church office.

Parking
There is a parking lot at the church that is managed by an outside company. We do not reserve the lot for ceremonies at the church. Paid parking is on a first come - first serve basis. Parking is available along Huron Street, Prince Arthur Avenue and Madison Avenue in addition to other streets in the area. Underground parking may also be available at the Holiday Inn located at 280 Bloor Street West.

Other questions may naturally arise, and you are invited to discuss them during your appointments with the minister. Early planning is encouraged and we are glad to provide such assistance as we can. As far as possible your own wishes will be respected and your suggestions welcomed, but final decisions about the wedding service as it pertains to the church rest with the minister.

For Your Convenience
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Telephone: 416-924-7439