Weddings & Civil Unions
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Trinity was built in 1876 to be the spiritual home for Napier Methodist’s, as a place of proclamation and witness to the Gospel. As part of its presence and ministry to Napier, Trinity is available for Weddings and Civil Unions (including same-sex ceremonies) for people beyond the Trinity congregation family.
With the passing of the Same-sex Marriage Equality legislation by Parliament in 2013, Trinity Parish Council has affirmed that Trinity Church is available for same-sex weddings; and our minister has confirmed he will officiate.
Marriage Preparation
We highly recommend that all couples participate in a Marriage Preparation course prior to their wedding date. This is not a requirement, but does assist couples in their preparation for the vows and the marriage into which they are entering.
Officiating Minister
Normally the Trinity Presbyter (minister) will be the officiating minister for Weddings and Civil Unions. If a couple would like to have another minister assist because of close family connections or being their home church minister, this needs to be approved with our minister. Our minister must still be involved in the planning of the ceremony to ensure it is appropriate for our community ethos, and will still be present and involved in the ceremony. It is a requirement of Trinity that the Trinity Marriage Register is signed.
Because Trinity is a church, a civil celebrant would not be appropriate.
It is the responsibility of the couple to arrange the Marriage/Civil Union license – but please liaise with the minster for the details to include in the application. The license should be handed to the minister at the rehearsal.
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Other locations
The Hawke’s Bay has a wide range of locations and venues also suitable for Weddings and Civil Unions. Our minster is available to officiate at ceremonies outside of the Trinity church – please discuss this with our minister.
Service
The Minister will liaise with the couple to develop a personalised service, including the words, readings, vows and hymns/songs used during the ceremony. We are quite flexible when it comes to activities/decorations connected with your wedding – but they must be discussed and cleared with the minister in advance.
We recommend that a rehearsal (of no more than 1 hour) be scheduled in order to prepare you and the members of the wedding party for the ceremony.
Music
Trinity has a unique historic organ instrument, as well as an upright piano. We prefer that our organist play the organ, if it is required. Any other organist would require consultation with the Trinity Organist. The piano may be played by other musicians; however it cannot be moved from its usual location without the permission of Trinity. Other musicians and instruments, as well as singers, are able to be part of the ceremony; please discuss details with our minister.
A sound system is available for recorded music.
Flowers
Trinity is able to organise flowers for the church, arranged from current seasonal flowers. However people are welcome to organise their own flowers; if so we suggest at least two medium sized arrangements; and request that at least one arrangement be left in the church for the following Sunday service.
Photography
The couple and the words of the liturgy should be the main focus of the ceremony. As such, our minister will discuss with you some simple guidelines surrounding photography and video recording in order to ensure distractions and disruptions to the flow of the ceremony are minimized. It may be helpful for the official photographer to attend the rehearsal, or to arrange a visit of the church if they are not familiar with it.
Confetti etc.
Confetti and rice are not to be used in the church buildings; rose petals may be used with prior permission.
Please download information below or contact the Church or Minister for more assistance.