Subject: Weddings

Letting at First†Met

We make space available to support individuals and families in the important transitions in life as well as meeting the needs of nonprofit community groups.

First Met Sanctuary

Weddings

A wedding … one of life’s foremost celebrations! We would like to celebrate with you on this sacred occasion! In the presence of family and friends, couples rejoice in the God-given love they share, and call upon God’s blessing as they begin their new life as partners.

First†Metropolitan United Church has a beautiful, newly renovated historical sanctuary, offering a cathedral atmosphere for your wedding.

Constructed in 1915 of red brick in the perpendicular Gothic style, it is registered as a heritage building. The interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500, a central aisle, a hand-carved Chancel, and original artifacts, all done in soft tones of burgundy, sage and heather. Expansive stained glass windows provide wonderful natural lighting. The front is spacious with an open wooden cross in modified Celtic style. When the service is over, our large wooden front doors offer excellent photo opportunities when the wedding party leaves the building.

Photo of the First Met SanctuaryThe interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500

Experienced ministers will guide the preparation and officiate at your special ceremony, with attention to details and personal requests. Our gifted music director provides a wonderful range of selections for the four-manual Allen organ and/or grand piano.

FM hearing assistance provided for those who would benefit from it. The sound system is capable of tape-recording, and video recording is permitted.

For smaller weddings, our chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting for groups of up to 60.

Photo of First Met ChapelOur chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting

Following the wedding, receptions may be held in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. The Doreene McLeod Room has a small service kitchenette attached, suitable for preparing tea and coffee and serving simple refreshments.

Doreene McLeod Room  kitchenetteDoreene McLeod Room kitchenette
Doreene McLeod RoomDoreene McLeod Room

The Fellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen and can seat up to 300 persons for a meal. It also has a stage and sound system. Church policies now permit wine, beer and cider to be served provided that you have obtained a special occasion permit, purchased liability insurance and meet the requirements of the Liquor Licencing Branch.

Fellowship Hall KitchenFellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen
Fellowship HallFellowship Hall can seat up to 300 persons for a meal

Meeting and Special Occasion Rooms

Special Occasions

Is your community group looking for one or more rooms to use for a special occasion or on a regular basis? First†Metropolitan United Church has rooms available during the week and on weekends, to suit meetings, rehearsals, workshops and other gatherings. The spaces available include:

  • A sanctuary suitable for presentations, music, dance or drama accommodating audiences of up to 700 with a sound and lighting system, FM hearing loops, an audio-visual system with four projectors, two plasma screens and two rear projection screens
  • A chapel seating approximately 60.
  • A fellowship hall with stage and commercial kitchen seating up to 300 for meals and 500 for presentations and other events. This hall is equipped with a gym floor and basketball hoops and is suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton and other sports.
  • Individual meeting rooms seating from 15 to 60 people, some with attached preparation areas for coffee and tea.

There is a reasonable letting fee to cover costs of custodians and utilities, etc. Inquire about letting rooms by phoning Sharon in our church office at (250) 388-5188 ext 221.

Special Occasion
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Marriage Services

We celebrate weddings for couples of all orientations who are in committed relationships. Couples need not be members of First†Metropolitan United Church, but should desire a spiritual marriage ceremony in which God’s blessing upon the commitment of the partners is sought. If you do not regularly attend worship, we suggest that you attend a Sunday service prior to your wedding so that you are comfortable with a church service. Couples must apply for a provincial marriage license and bring this to the church office at least a week before the wedding.

The church can provide a chapel seating up to 50, a sanctuary seating up to 800 and reception space in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. Together with the Minister(s), you can plan this special day so that it reflects what you wish to express in your wedding ceremony.

The Ceremony

While there are some portions of the ceremony that are required due to legal reasons, there is considerable flexibility to choose music, prayers and readings that reflect your special love and commitment for one another. You may also request the assistance of the music director, who can suggest suitable music for the processional, at the signing of the register and for the recessional. We are open to inter-church and inter-faith weddings in which someone from another faith community shares in officiating.

In order to allow time for the required pre-marriage counseling and to ensure the availability of the church, please contact the Church office at least six months in advance of the desired date of the wedding.

Depending on the size and formality of the wedding, either the chapel or the Sanctuary may be booked. In some circumstances, Ministers may perform weddings in other locations chosen by the bridal couple. In addition to the actual service, the church may also provide facilities for a wedding reception. Fees apply for the use of space, the services of Minister, Pianist, and custodians, and for the use of reception spaces. Please ask for these details.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are usually held the Thursday or Friday before your wedding and last no more than an hour. Decorations including pew bows and flowers may be discussed with the Minister and put in place during the hour prior to the wedding ceremony. Confetti and rice are not permitted as they are too difficult to clean up. Photographs may be taken during the processional, the signing of documents and the recessional. Videotaping is permitted from a fixed position in the Sanctuary to be arranged prior to the ceremony.

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