FAQ’s about weddings
Can I take a look at the building?
Yes, come and visit our morning service at 9.30am or our evening service at 6pm on Sundays. If you’d like to ask any questions of the minister during this viewing visit please indicate on the Online Wedding Form i) the date of the Sunday you intend to visit and, ii) whether you’d like to speak with the minister on duty either after 10:30am or between 5-5:30pm.
How many people can the church seat?
Using only the original timber pew seating the church can accommodate up to 205 guests. We also have high-quality individual molded-timber seating. With this additional seating we can accommodate a total of 277 guests.
(we also have stackable seating from the church hall that by prior arrangment can be used to accommodate a total of 300 people in the main church building).
How many ribbons will I need for the ends of pews?
The number of pews can be altered to match the number of guests you anticipate will be attending. For up to 100 guests there will be 8 rows of pews (a total of 16 pew ends accounting for both the left and right sides of the aisle). When all the pews are set out there will be 13 rows of pews (a total of 26 pew ends on both right/left side of the aisle).
Are flowers provided?
No. We do not provide flowers, you will need to make your own arrangements for this. The building itself is very grand and has many floral elements in its design, any floral arrangements usually need to be quite large to make an impact in the building.
Is there enough light in the building for photos?
Yes. A photographer with suitable equipment won't have a problem.
When do I have access to the building for the florist, musicians etc?
The building is only available from 90 minutes before the start time of your wedding so it can be made available for other uses.
Can we have a rehearsal?
Yes. Rehearsals are booked for one evening during the week prior to the wedding. If you need musicians and others to view the building this is the time to do it. However, we do not usually facilitate “band rehearsals” at the wedding rehearsal.
Is there a reduction in price if we have a smaller wedding?
If you use only our regular Sunday service seating set-out (seating up to 100 people) the cost is reduced to $1200 (as we will not need to employ someone to set out additional pews and seating).
Can we move furniture around?
No. You cannot move the chairs and pews (these are moved professionally to avoid damage to both the heritage pews and the polished flooring). Small alterations to seating or tables can be possibly be arranged at your rehearsal.
Where are the light switches for our rehearsal?
There are three light switches on the left immediately after entering the main door, then another light switch on the right after entering the main part of the church and the rest of the light switches are in the room at the very far right-hand side of the building in the corner near the big cupboards. Please turn off the lights when you leave.
What sound and music equipment is there?
There is a CD player which can play audio CDs and CDRs. The Verger can play music tracks via Spotify on your wedding day if you so choose.
We provide a mixer (Allen & Heath Qu-24) and three microphones (two Behringer XM8500 and a Shure gooseneck mic). We can also arrange the use of a wireless microphone headset or wireless handheld microphones upon request. You may also use our foldback speakers, bass amp/speaker, and music/microphone stands.
Only the Verger we provide is approved to run the sound desk. This ensures the care of our equipment and that the settings are all returned to that which is required for our Sunday services. If you have more complicated sound-tech requirements, we may be able to employ an approved sound technician to assist you.
What musical instruments are available to use?
The organ and an electric piano.
Married by another minister?
What is the basis of the arrangement for a wedding conducted by another minister?
If the Senior Minister of Summer Hill Church is happy with the arrangement then a license agreement is entered into between our church and the minister's church for $1. It clarifies the arrangement and provides for Public Liability Insurance details to be received. We will also ask your minister to send us a copy of the wedding liturgy he intends to use to ensure a consistent perspective on marriage is presented to all who attend weddings in our church building.
Is it necessary to undertake pre-marriage counseling?
Your minister will look after any marriage preparation. It is entirely up to them.
Will our names be in the marriage register at the church?
Your minister will arrange all the legal paperwork with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for your wedding. The marriage register in the church will be made available to your minister for them to fill in so there is a local record of your wedding happening in the church building.