Rites of passage

Rites of passage give us the opportunity to honour an important life event in the company of those who are dear to us. Unitarian Universalists offer celebrations of birth and naming, marriage or partnership, or to acknowledge a life that has ended.

Read our Ceremonies and Rites of Passage brochure (pdf, 3.4MB).

In developing rites of passage ceremonies, Unitarian Universalist practice starts from human needs rather than fixed religious ideas. The ceremonies which result are often deeply spiritual and memorable, being firmly based on the integrity and compassion of the chaplain and the spirituality of those for whom the service is conducted.

Lay chaplain

Westwood's lay chaplain serves Edmonton and the surrounding area by performing:

• weddings (officially licensed by the Government of Alberta)
• funerals and memorial services
• child dedications
• other ceremonies recognizing significant life passages such as reaffirming vows, dissolution of a relationship, coming of age, loss of a pet, graduation, or retirement.

Our lay chaplain welcomes the opportunity to adapt ceremonies to the needs and wishes of the celebrants, thus creating a personalized experience. Using a Westwood lay chaplain allows couples or families the opportunity to mark a life passage in a spiritual way, even if they do not subscribe to any particular religion.

Our lay chaplain is flexible as to the location of the ceremony, be it at Westwood Unitarian Congregation, a chapel or a more informal venue.

Lay Chaplain Fees

Wedding or Service of Union: $200
Funeral/Memorial Services: $200
Child Dedication and other rites of passage: $125

These fees include one or two planning meetings and the event itself. A rehearsal can be arranged for an additional fee of $75. Additional recompense for mileage is expected if the ceremony is outside the city of Edmonton.
These amounts are a guide only. Please feel free to discuss these suggested fees with the officiate.

If you believe our lay chaplain may be the best person to provide for your needs on one of these highly important occasions, please phone (780) 434-5819.

Minister

Westwood's minister - The Reverend Anne Barker - also conducts ceremonies. Please contact her for further information and availability via e-mail or by phoning (780) 434-5819 (extension 1).