Question 1

Are we eligible to be married at Manly Presbyterian Church?

Accepted Answer

Your wedding must be capable of being conducted “within the rites of the Presbyterian church of Australia”. If you are not sure if you fit within this it is probably a good idea to talk to our minister (Duncan - 0413 009 943).

Question 2

Is Pre-Marriage counselling available (and do we have to do it)?

Accepted Answer

We normally insist upon some form of pre marriage counselling for couples who wish to get married at Manly Presbyterian Church. Our Minister can assist you this or if you wish to do it elsewhere (like your home church) we may be open to this.

Getting married is a pretty big deal. At Manly Presbyterian Church we think it’s a unique time to explore some big issues in life and make sure couples have discussed areas where it’s possible differences may exist pre-emptively. We are not overly prescriptive as to how or where this counselling occurs, but we can certainly discuss options with you. Normally at Manly Presbyterian Church pre-marriage counselling will happen in a series (up to 6) of meetings with our minister as your work out the details and prepare for your wedding day.

Question 3

How far do I need to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

Most weddings at Manly Presbyterian Church are booked 12 months or so in advance, but we will often be able to find an earlier date if you are a bit flexible.

Question 4

Can I bring my own minister/celebrant?

Accepted Answer

On occasion we may authorise a minister from a similar tradition to ours to take a service at Manly Presbyterian church (ie. a wedding). However it certainly should not be assumed that permission will be given. If you are even remotely considering this you should speak to us ASAP so you are not disappointed. Because we offer the same support services to make sure your wedding day goes smoothly, as well as significant liaison/ support and cooperation to your Pastor/Minister please realise  NO DISCOUNT is available if you wish to have someone else officiate your wedding at Manly Presbyterian Church.

Question 5

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Within reason we are happy to accomodate with this, certain things will have to be included as our marriage licence is dependant upon the service being conducted according to the “rites of the Presbyterian church of Australia”.

Question 6

Do I have to use the organ?

Accepted Answer

No, obviously it is a fairly dominant feature of the interior of the church so many couples choose to. We can’t really help with other musicians but we are happy to discuss options with you. The acoustics are very good within the church building so even simple options (ie wireless bluetooth speakers etc) sound pretty good.

Question 7

How should I chose the music?

Accepted Answer

Before you decide on a hymn, you will need to consider whether your guests will sing or not on the day. A hymn is a sung prayer. If no one will sing the prayer, then is it wise to have one at all? If you feel enough will sing, then the hymn(s) chosen will need to be one(s) they can sing. The wedding fee includes the services of an organist and we are happy to discuss options for more contemporary or recorded music if you would like. These would normally operate on a byo basis.

Question 8

Can we bring our own musicians?

Accepted Answer

Certainly, the church building has great acoustics and you are welcome to bring musicians. We have a baby grand piano opposite the organ that is available as well. We have limited capacity to assist with sound needs. If you want to bring a full contemporary worship band or something like that you may  need to bring most of your own sound equipment (as well as someone to operate it).

Question 9

What sound equipment is available?

Accepted Answer

Our mixing desk only has about 10 channels and 2-3 of these are needed for vocal mikes. We’ll help out with this one where we can, but please realise your wedding fee only includes basic sound support and DOES NOT include a sound technician. If you want to do something elaborate you are going to have to make your own arrangements (which we will support and cooperate with as much as we can).

Question 10

Can we use confetti, bubbles, rice, balloons etc etc?

Accepted Answer

You can blow bubbles outside. Littering on the footpath (rice, confetti etc) is frowned upon by council and we’re not big fans of it inside the church building either. You can decorate with balloons inside if you want, but they cannot be released outside.

Question 11

Can we put candles down the aisle?

Accepted Answer

If they are real candles and you want to light them then the answer is categorically NO WAY! If you want to do something with LED candles or similar that’s up to you. If you come from a tradition where candles are highly symbolic of something then we will seek to help you find a safe place for them up the front.

Question 12

Can we decorate the church?

Accepted Answer

Yep, but if you bring it, you take it away. Certain items of furniture within the church building must not be moved, others can be arranged as you like. Normally we’ll open up for you 2 hours before the ceremony so florists etc can set up. All Items and rubbish left on the church property  after the service will be disposed off (charges apply, which includes labor, vehicle hire as well as the current waste disposal fee at Kimbriki tip (around $500 per 1000kg). Please be advised we will not register your marriage until these costs (if required) have been recovered.

Question 13

What parking is available?

Accepted Answer

There is dedicated space for 3-4 wedding cars out the front of the church on Raglan St. Cars must be clearly recognisable as wedding vehicles or they are likely to be booked by council rangers. There is a carpark opposite the church that may have spaces available, this is best suited for smaller cars. There are a range of parking stations in Manly only a short walk away. Up the hill from the church on street parking is often available, much of this is limited to 2 hours.

Question 14

Is there an area available for afternoon tea/drinks after the service?

Accepted Answer

There is a reasonably sized area of lawn beside the main church building where guests can be served refreshments etc whilst some photos are taken. There is also a large hall next to the church that can be rented for $88 an hour for more elaborate setups. The hall includes a large kitchen and tables and chairs are available to use.

Question 15

Are dogs allowed in the church?

Accepted Answer

Well behaved dogs and of course assistance animals are very welcome inside the church building.

Question 16

How many people does the church seat?

Accepted Answer

The church building was originally set up to seat 400 people. This is on 40 pews (with 10 per pew). People were probably a bit smaller then. We think a comfortable capacity is something like 250-300 but the space works very well for small gatherings too.

Question 17

Is the church single aisle or double aisle?

Accepted Answer

The church has one central aisle. It is a good width for two people to walk down side by side. Occasionally brides wish to be walked down the aisle by their Mother and Father (or something similar). You can do this if you really want to but it's a bit tight for three people to walk down side by side.

Question 18

Where is the main entry door?

Accepted Answer

The main entrance is on the eastern corner of the building on Raglan St. This door does not open directly onto the central aisle, but offers a good space for the bride and bridesmaid to gather and attend to final touches before making their way along the back of the church and down the aisle

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There is a second entrance to the church on the Western corner this has less steps and is best for people with any mobility issues (ramp available).

A third entrance to the church exists near the front of the church on Augusta lane which is best for access to the hall, lawn area and other ammenities. It also provides a lovely see breeze on a warm summer afternoon.

Wedding Ceremonies

Wedding FAQs