DO WE WANT TO INCLUDE THIS LINK in MARRIAGES OR DO WE DELETE THIS FAQ's PAGE??
St Peter's Toorak
Our Partnered Parish of Armadale Toorak congratulates you on your upcoming wedding and welcomes you to the St Peter's Toorak.
The journey to your wedding day becomes an important starting point for your life together. To assist you with planning for your wedding day, the following are responses to frequently asked questions.
Can we celebrate our wedding at St Peter's Toorak?
You are welcome to celebrate your wedding at St Peter's Toorak. Marriages are celebrated only according to the rites of the Catholic Church. This means that at least one party must be baptised Catholic and both parties are free to marry. If you have any queries about this, please discuss with the priest or deacon who will marry you.
The Church provides two forms of the marriage rite:
- Marriage outside of Mass (Ceremony only)
- Marriage within Mass (Nuptial Mass)
To differentiate between a Wedding Ceremony and a Nuptial Mass; a Ceremony contains similar components to a Mass, but does not have the Liturgy of the Eucharist or Communion.
The priest or deacon marrying you will be able to assist you in choosing the right ceremony for you and planning the detail of the ceremony.
Who will celebrate our ceremony for us?
Any Catholic priest or deacon registered with the civil authorities as a Celebrant of Marriage may officiate. Our Parish Priest would be happy to officiate at your wedding. Please indicate on the booking form. However, you may prefer to use your own celebrant. Please include his name and contact details on the booking form.
What is required of us?
At the first meeting with your chosen celebrant you will need to produce positive forms of ID, a full birth certificate if born in Australia, or if born overseas a valid passport. For the baptised party you will also need to apply for a newly issued baptismal certificate from your parish of baptism. There may be other documents required. Your celebrant will advise you of this.
What times are weddings celebrated?
St Peter's Toorak is available for weddings on most days during the year, subject to availability. Please discuss your preferred date and time with Madeline Dimasi at Parish Office, 03 9068 8600 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What are the fees?
The fee for the use of St Peter's Toorak is $1,000. The offering to the priest is $500.
The fee includes the use of St Peter's Church and gardens for two hours (commencing half an hour prior to your wedding). Flowers, flowered pew bows and an Organist are a separate cost. Please see discuss this at the time of booking.
How do we know if our preferred date is available?
By completing the online Wedding Enquiry Form. You will receive a response within two business days.
How do I make a booking?
By completing the booking form, which will be issued via email, and providing your deposit of $600. The balance needs to be paid six months prior to the ceremony date.
Payments may be made by way of direct deposit or credit card.
What if we decide to cancel?
If you wish to cancel your booking at any time, you must do so in writing. Any fees will be returned to you less $100 administration fee.
What music is permissible?
Music is an important part of your wedding. Couples are asked to select sacred music that reflects and enhances the sacrament of marriage and the sanctity of the Church. Sacred music takes its words from the Bible, religious poems or a hymn.
St Peter's Toorak has a beautiful pipe organ and a musical director who will assist you with your musical selection. Wedding Music Days are conducted at various times during the year and couples are invited to attend. Portable keyboards, and recorded music (CD or iPod) are not permitted.
Do you need to attend a Marriage Preparation Course?
Pre-marriage courses are recommended. Your celebrant will guide you in your choice. These courses are an invitation to plan for your marriage, not just your wedding day.
Who may be a witness to our marriage?
It is a legal requirement that there are two witnesses at least 18 years of age. They must be present at the marriage celebration and sign the wedding register.
Do we need a wedding rehearsal?
Wedding rehearsals are recommended, and are held on the Wednesday or Thursday prior to your wedding day. Please discuss the rehearsal with your celebrant and bridal party then contact the Parish Office to organise a rehearsal date and time.
How do we prepare our wedding booklets (Order of Service)?
Your celebrant will assist you in preparing your ceremony and will be able to provide you with books for guidance. A draft of your wedding booklet will need to be submitted to the Parish Office for approval prior to printing. Printing of the booklet is the couples responsibility.
Our copyright licence must be quoted together with acknowledgement for all hymns used in the booklet. Please contact the Parish Office for these details.
May we have photographs and video in St Peter's Toorak?
Professional photographers and video cameras are permitted in St Peter's Toorak. Their equipment and movement are not to distract the priest, bridal couple or guests. Your photographer and/or video operator will need to consult with the celebrant prior to the ceremony as to what is expected of them.
What if we are running late?
Due to the popularity of St Peter's Toorak there can be multiple weddings during the afternoon, so we ask brides to be on time. You will need to impress this upon your hire car operators, photographers and wedding party.
May we throw confetti, rose petals?
The use of confetti, rose petals, bubbles or rice is strictly prohibited within St Peter's, the Church steps or any other part of the Church property.
What parking facilities are there?
There is no parking on the grounds of St Peter's. St Peter's forecourt is to be used by the bridal party vehicles only. Parking is generally available on Toorak Road and surrounding streets.