At ESG, we welcome all couples wishing to be married in a Christian ceremony. One of our ministers, Rev. Dr. Paul Hutchison or Rev. Sarah Chapman will officiate at your wedding service. You are invited to personalise the traditional wedding vows, and other aspects of the service, to make your ceremony truly meaningful.
We are an inclusive and welcoming congregation. Persons of all ages, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, ethnic background, or economic circumstances are welcome to take part in every aspect of church life, including membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and marriage.
Wedding couples are more than welcome to bring their own officiant. We do require that a minister of ESG United Church be included in the service as a co-officiant. The ESG Minister’s fee would not be waived.
Fees
The fee for the use of the Church Sanctuary for the wedding and rehearsal is $800. A cheque for this amount post dated one month prior to the wedding date, must be received by the Church Office to confirm your wedding booking. Honoraria for those who will be assisting at your wedding are requested as follows:
- Minister ($400)
- Organist ($250)
- Wedding Coordinator ($175)
- Sound Technician ($75)
The church Custodian is to be paid $120 for up to three hours commencing one hour before the start of the service. If required, additional time is billable at $40 per hour. Custodial fees do not apply if a wedding takes place on a weekday.
Music
As part of our wedding program, the church’s director of music plays organ or piano for up to one hour at your service. Upon request, we can arrange a soloist to enhance your service, or you may provide your own soloist. With prior approval, you may bring additional acoustic musicians to provide further accompaniment to the service.
Hours of Use
When you choose ESG United Church, you are entitled to the use of the church building and grounds for up to three hours on your wedding day, plus a one-hour rehearsal (usually a day or two prior to the service).
Parking
Due to our location in a quiet residential area, we do not have a parking lot. However, there is plenty of street parking available on neighbouring streets. There is a small driveway in front of the church where the wedding vehicle may park during your service.
No-cost Settings for Your Group Photos
Our well-kept grounds—the front lawn, church steps or the elegant tranquility garden to the east of the sanctuary—make an ideal setting for photos after your ceremony. You are entitled to use this space at no charge during your rental period. In case of inclement weather, you can use various open spaces inside the church for such photos.
We are happy to recommend WeDo Photography for your wedding photography needs. Contact Daniel Royer for enquiries about his services.
Flowers
By special arrangement, the church may be able to accommodate deliveries of decorative flowers earlier in the day of your wedding. Corsages and boutonnieres may be briefly stored in our kitchen refrigerator prior to your service. We are pleased to accept donations of wedding flowers after your service; please let us know in advance so the church’s flower committee can arrange for their use at our next Sunday worship service.