Admin Hub: Guidelines for Weddings & Funerals

Overview

These guidelines outline how weddings and funerals are normally hosted in Anglican churches across the Diocese of Wellington. They are based on the Bishop’s 2016 communication to clergy.

Clergy and parish leaders are encouraged to contact the Bishops Office if they have questions or are unsure about any specific request concerning a wedding or funeral.

Weddings

Weddings in Anglican churches are ordinarily conducted and blessed by an Anglican priest.

Lay celebrants are not permitted to officiate weddings in Anglican churches.

Ministers from other Christian denominations may be invited to officiate an authorised marriage in an Anglican church. When this occurs, an Anglican representative should be present to offer hospitality, support any practical needs, and maintain a connection to the parish community.

Funerals

Funerals are normally taken by a priest.

Where a priest is unavailable, a deacon or licensed lay minister may conduct the funeral service.

Ministers from other Christian denominations may also conduct funerals in an Anglican church under similar arrangements to weddings, with an Anglican representative present.

Hospitality & Parish Oversight

The way a wedding or funeral is hosted is at the discretion of the vestry and the priest of the parish.

All services held in an Anglican church should reflect that the building is dedicated to the glory of God, and therefore be conducted with reverence and care.

Parish Register

Everyone involved in a wedding or funeral conducted in the parish must sign the parish register. This ensures a proper record is kept of the service taking place in that specific church.

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