Metropolitan United Church

A committed, caring relationship is a gift from God to be blessed and celebrated and our community is broad and accepting. At Metropolitan United Church, a wedding or holy union is a rite of blessing available to all committed, caring couples regardless of gender or membership. We also marry previously divorced people and couples of different religions.

We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them. These relationships may be between a woman and a man, or between people of the same gender.

If you're interested in having your wedding at Metropolitan United Church, we've provided some information to get you started below.

For more information, you may contact our interim wedding coordinator, Christel Schindler at 416-363-0331 ext. 35, or by email christels@metunited.org.

? Frequently Asked Questions ?

Do I have to be a member of Metropolitan United Church or the United Church of Canada to get married there?

No, you don't need to be a member in order to be married at Metropolitan. We hope that once you have crossed the threshold of our beautiful Gothic Revival church setting, you will feel inspired to explore more deeply the rich and dynamic community of Metropolitan United Church. We suggest that you attend a service in order to experience the colourful palette, music and people in the magnificent sanctuary filled with vivid heritage and tradition.

Do I have to be a practicing Christian to be married at Metropolitan?

No. We marry people of all faith traditions. In fact, we not only provide a traditional Christian wedding service, but also offer a wedding service with a more contemporary flavour that speaks of the personalities and life experiences of the couple to be married.

Is there a cost to be married at Metropolitan?

Yes. You may contact our wedding coordinator for a quote. A deposit is required in order for your wedding to be confirmed, and the balance is due 60 days prior to your wedding date.

What does that cost include?

The cost includes:

-Use of our magnificent sanctuary

-Services of a Minister

-Services of our Organist/Director of Music

-Rehearsal space and time

-Care /custodial service

-Sound System and staff person to assist with sound design of your wedding

Can I get married any day of the week, or any time of the day?

You can plan your wedding for any day or time between Monday and Saturday. We do not hold weddings on Sundays as the sanctuary is in use for our regular Sunday services.

How many people can be seated in the church?

Our sanctuary including the balcony holds 800 persons comfortably in the pews. We could add an additional 100 folding chairs if necessary.

Do you provide a minister?

We will supply a minister to preside over your wedding, and you can choose from our Ministry personnel. They will gladly meet with you a few times in advance so you can plan a ceremony that reflects your culture and tradition.The Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea by email, or by phone at 416-363-0331 ext 24 or the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Sinclair by email, or by phone at 416-363-0331 ext. 27.

May I bring my own minister?

You do have the option to arrange for your own minister.

Do I get a rehearsal time?

Yes. Rehearsals are important for lowering anxiety and thereby allowing you to enjoy your wedding day. The Minister will make arrangements for the rehearsal with you during one of your pre-wedding meetings. Arrangements will be made with the Minister regarding the date and time.

What about music?

The music at your wedding forms an integral and beautiful part of the worship service and will be chosen to help make your special day meaningful and memorable. Metropolitan has a rich tradition of music and has two of Canada's most historic instruments to enrich your service. Besides our organist, we can also provide vocal soloists. Our Carillonneur is also available to play at your wedding upon request.

Can I choose whatever music I want or is there a preselected list?

Our organist will meet with you to discuss choices for prelude, processional, recessional, and other selections from a wide variety of music. Because a church wedding is a religious service, music chosen is suitable for a service. You may also discuss arrangements for using your own soloists and other musicians.

May we decorate the church?
Yes: this can be arranged with the wedding coordinator .

Is there space at Metropolitan for my wedding reception?

Yes. We have a newly designed space called the Metropolitan Centre that is available for your reception, with full kitchen/catering facilities as well as tables and chairs. There is an additional cost for this space, which can be reviewed with our Wedding Coordinator. At present, we are not licensed, but you may acquire your own Liquor License for the space.

Do you perform same-gender marriages?

Yes. Metropolitan United is an affirming church and we welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation, or social, cultural and economic demographic.

What do I need to do in advance?

You should arrange an interview/meeting with the minister at least 30 days prior to the wedding. The dates and time of the meeting will be determined in consultation with the minister. Make sure your Marriage License is delivered to the church 30 days prior to the wedding date.

Do you provide any pre-wedding counseling or spiritual direction?

Yes. If you are seeking Spiritual Counselling please contact Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea by email, or by phone at 416-363-0331 ext 24.