WEDDINGS

For a relevant ceremony in a magnificent church, Orchardhill has been the church of choice for many weddings since 1900.

Orchardhill is a beautiful building located in suburban Giffnock, complete with welcoming warmth and ambience unsurpassed.

It is accepting of all couples regardless of religious beliefs and previous marital experience.  Though we ask that you respect the fact that this is a place of worship and that aspect will be drawn upon in the service.

A detailed wedding sheet is available from the church office. Please telephone   (0141) 638 3604 in the mornings or leave a message or contact by email.

The wedding ceremony includes all you need for an occasion that is dignified, meaningful and, above all, joyful.

• Use of the church
• The minister
• The Church Officer (who assists the minister)
• The organist to play our pipe organ or key board
• Rehearsal
• Administration

The wedding ceremony lasts for approximately 45 minutes, depending on how many readings you choose, the length of your music, etc.

When can we get married?

The church is available for weddings throughout the year except for Sundays before 2.00 pm, Holy Week (the week immediately preceding Easter), Easter Saturday, or Easter Sunday.

It is important to reserve the church as early as possible to ensure the date and time you require.

The advised booking period is at least eight weeks before the wedding. This allows time to meet with the Minister and organise the necessary paperwork with the Registrar for your wedding.

Who gets married at Orchardhill?

People of all religions, backgrounds and cultures. Orchardhill stands as a church inclusive and accepting of the world's faiths. Though we ask that you respect the fact that this is a place of worship and that aspect will be drawn upon in the service.  We do encourage people who get married at Orchardhill to join us in public worship and if you want to make us your home church then we can discuss this at an appropriate time.

How do I book a wedding at Orchardhill?

To reserve the church, contact the office on   (0141) 638 3604  to check the availability of a specific date and time. Fill in a booking form and if the date and time are available it may be reserved. The deposit will be applied to the balance of the wedding fee. Please note the deposit is not refundable.

Are there any fees?

Yes you would need to pay £65.00* to the organist and £65.00* for the Church Officer.  All will be explained when you meet the minister. *Fees shown applicable as at 01-01-2011 and can increase over years, please note that the fee applicable at the date of the wedding will apply.

Can we use a Minister of our choice?

The policy of Orchardhill is that the marriage is to be performed by the Minister of Orchardhill.

I am divorced and from a different religious background to my fiancée. Can we still get married at Orchardhill?

Of course! Orchardhill’s policy is to marry anyone, from various religious backgrounds or past marital experience.

Do I need to be baptised in order to be married at Orchardhill?

 No. Though if you wish to be baptised, this can also be arranged on a separate occasion.

When can I come and see the church?

The church office is open daily from 9:30am to 12:30pm or you can make an arrangement with the minister. You may also want to come to our Sunday Service at 10:30am. This provides a great opportunity to hear the organ. If these times are not convenient, you can call the office and arrange an appointment during office hours.

How many people can the church seat?

The church can seat up to 450 people. Our minister conducts marriage services in a way that draws your family and guests into the intimate circle of the wedding party.  This intimate atmosphere ensures that it does not matter if you have 5, 50 or 450 people attending your wedding service - whatever the number, it's special.  We can by special arrangement record or project the service onto the screens at the front of the Church.

Do I have to attend a relationship counselling course to be married at Orchardhill?

No, however the Minister is happy to discuss any issues that you are concerned about when you meet together.

Can we have a rehearsal?

We recommend a rehearsal in the church the day before or a couple of days before the wedding. The Minister will run through the service with you and answer any last minute questions you might have.  Your ushers will also receive instruction from the Church Officer.

Can we bring in decorations?

Yes. All decorations must be either tied to the chairs or the stone pillars. No adhesives and no type of tape may be used. Details regarding flowers are on the more detailed sheet that the Minister will give you when you meet.

Can we move any furniture in the church or bring in any furniture into the church? 

No. All church furnishings are in their position for a good reason. Church furniture cannot be moved from their set places, nor can any other items of furniture be brought into the church.

Can we photograph and/or record a video of the service?

Yes. We encourage the use of photographers and video cameras. It is, however, important that the mood and integrity of the service is not disturbed or compromised. We ask that your photographer or video producer speak with the Minister before the wedding service.

Can we throw confetti into the church?

 No, confetti is not to be thrown inside the church, at any time, regardless of the weather. Please ensure that this request is kept as cleaning is costly and time consuming. You may throw biodegradable confetti on the church steps outside. The same policy exists for rose petals and glitter.

Wedding Music

Can we play a CD during the service?

 It is your wedding and these arrangements are made with the organist. The playing of the pipe organ brings a special atmosphere to the service.

Can we have a person (or people) sing at the wedding?

A singer or singers can add a special feature to the service. Please contact the Organist  if you would like a singer or singers.

What do we have to do about the music, hymns etc?

Long before you begin selecting the music, please contact the Orchardhill’s Organist via the church office on (0141) 638 3604. Our Organist can advise you on what is desirable, acceptable and appropriate. Your music selection must be finalised and lodged with the Organist and Minister four weeks prior to the wedding.

Parking

Parking is available in both the Upper and Lower Car Park, but preferably not in Church Road as this causes problems with residents and can be dangerous.  The road will be coned off in front of church to allow for the bridal cars.

Links to helpful Advice:
InformationLeaflet RM1 from The General Register for Scotland
*Fees correct as at January 2011 and are subject to change without prior notice

Images reproduced with kind permission of:

Norma Ann Photography
183 Bath St
Glasgow
0141 204 3388