The Covenant of Marriage

When two people enter into covenant, pledging to live together in loving partnership, it’s time to celebrate. It’s a special moment for you and for your families, as well as for the community. At Robertson-Wesley we support all people (all gender identities, religious and non-religious backgrounds) who wish to publicly affirm their relationship, as they prepare not only for their wedding but also their marriage.

Your Ceremony

Your wedding ceremony includes a blend of traditional elements and ones that are special or unique to you as a couple. The minister will provide you with a wedding planning book that give you a choice among various common elements such as prayers, vows, and readings. The ceremony can be personalized with the addition of special music, poetry, and the participation of friends or relatives (e.g., reading scripture). All ages are welcome to participate in the wedding party, though please ensure that they are old enough to perform their duties. Both the church sanctuary and chapel are available for the service. The chapel holds a maximum of sixty guests and the sanctuary can hold up to six hundred.

Photography

We ask guests not to photograph the actual ceremony, both because it can be distracting to other guests, and because we feel that when people are photographing a ceremony they are not fully attending. An exception to this is made for an official photographer and/or video operator. Photographers are asked to consult with the minister before the ceremony. It is usually possible to arrange to come back into the sanctuary after the wedding to take posed photographs. This should be arranged with the minister in advance.

Music

Music is chosen in consultation with the Director of Music, who will meet with you after your initial meeting with the minister. In keeping with the musical tradition of Robertson-Wesley, recorded music may not be used in the ceremony. Normally, the services of Robertson-Wesley’s Music Director are utilized at all weddings which require organ or piano music.  Other musicians may be involved after consultation with the Director of Music.

If you require additional musicians there are many options available, such as the addition of other instrumentalists, the singing of one or two songs by a soloist, or the inclusion of a string ensemble. In order for your ceremony to be performed as beautifully and smoothly as possible, we recommend you employ professional musicians for this purpose. The Director of Music will be happy to give advice in this regard, and make whatever arrangements are necessary.

Facilities

Access to the church is available half an hour before your ceremony. Wedding guests are asked not to use rice or confetti in or around the church. We normally reserve parking space in front of the church for the wedding car. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible. Our sound system has hearing assistance equipment for people who are hard of hearing. Should you need to have flowers delivered prior to your ceremony, please contact the Church Office.

Fees

The Wedding fee is $1155. The fee includes the Minister, the Sanctuary space rental and musical accompaniment. We do not hold Receptions at R-W, just ceremonies.

Rehearsal

A wedding rehearsal, which lasts 30 to 60 minutes, is typically held on the evening before the wedding. The scheduling of the rehearsal should be discussed with the minister.

Booking your Wedding

Step 1: Contact our Office Administrator. The Office Administrator will provide you with information about when the church is available (for viewing and for booking) and costs involved. Weddings can only be booked 1 year in advance of date, example: Should you wish to book for June 4, 2026 the earliest you can book is June 4, 2025.
Step 2: Fill out the booking form, sign it and send in a deposit. Once the deposit and booking form have been received your wedding date and time are confirmed.
Step 3: After the wedding is booked, the minister will be in touch with you to arrange an initial meeting.

Marriage preparation

Marriage preparation is mandatory. Couples may choose a marriage preparation program available through several agencies in Edmonton. In particular, we recommend:
• The Family Centre
• Community Counselling Centre