Marriage at LifeGate Church

Two hands reaching out to touch each other, with one hand having a ring, against a blurred outdoor background.

LifeGate Church participates in instituting Christian marriages for believers in Jesus Christ. This is to be understood as quite different from the civil ceremony of a wedding that is found throughout society.

The purpose of a Christian marriage is to glorify God together in reflecting the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world through the marriage relationship and being an example of faithful obedience as the man and the woman seek to follow God’s will together.

Therefore, the requirements for marriage in LifeGate Church are as follows:

  1. Marriage must be a union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

  2. Both the man and the woman must have received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, meaning each of them has begun a journey of change with Jesus.

  3. The couple must participate in a marriage preparation course supervised by a couple endorsed by LifeGate Church. The course helps the couple understand the biblical teachings on marriage and practical suggestions on how to stay married for life.

  4. While every effort is made to accommodate the wishes of the couple, LifeGate Church has the final say in the wedding ceremony program. This is to ensure that the wedding is conducted in accordance with scriptural guidelines and the rites of the Churches of Christ in Australia.

  • Go through pre-marriage counselling together as a couple with an endorsed support couple before the wedding - six sessions, usually over 2-4 months.

  • Read & Sign the “Requirements for Marriage in LifeGate Church” document

  • Choose a celebrant from LifeGate Church and have an initial chat with them and check their availability (at least 6 months before wedding)

    Current authorised celebrants:
    - Ps. Tham Fuan Yee
    - Ps. James Chia
    - Ps. Danica Foo

  • Complete & sign Victorian marriage documents (NOIM & DNLI) (at least 3 months before wedding)

  • If using LifeGate Church for the wedding, making a booking enquiry.

    Important note for Weekend Availability at LifeGate Church:
    The church premises is not available for booking or setup during the following times: 
    Sat: 1:45pm - 6pm
    Sun: 7:30am - 12:30pm

  • Have an in-person meeting with your chosen celebrant 1 month before your wedding to finalise details.

Steps to Get Married

Got more questions on the above process?

Contact Ps. James
0408 144 362
james.chia@lifegatechurch.org.au