SACRAMENT OF HOLY MATRIMONY
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is a protestant church whose doors are open to everybody regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.
All who seek Marriage in the Church are welcome to contact our clergy as far in advance of your wedding as possible.
We offer you the maximum flexibility to allow you to plan your wedding the way you wish. The choice of readings, hymns and music is yours. [The organist will require a consultative meeting.] You can also choose whether or not to include a nuptial Mass [Holy Communion should be included by all practising Christians].
We simply ask you to remember that as Christians, God is present with us - no matter how the service is structured - and must be accorded all due respect.
You will receive a copy of the order of service when you book your wedding; an alternative order of service can be discussed with the officiating priest.
You are welcome to have your marriage celebrated and blessed at the church, or at the location of your choice.
The choice of location is yours within the jurisdiction of the Province of Nova Scotia. 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. In addition, if you are, for example, bungee jumpers or parachutists any extreme activity must take place after the final blessing, and introduction of the bride and groom. [The officiating priest will be happy to remain available in the unfortunate event of any subsequent equipment failures.]
Registering Your Marriage
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene will register your marriage with the province of Nova Scotia. You will receive a church marriage certificate on the day of your wedding; your official marriage certificate will be mailed to you by Service Nova Scotia within approximately ten working days.
Obtaining a Marriage Licence
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. 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 fee for a marriage licence is $100.00 and there is a five day waiting period between the day of application for the licence and the date of issuance.
For more information, visit the SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA web information page.
In addition, the officiating priest will require you to produce the following documents:
- Marriage licence.
- 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)