Weddings
Weddings
The beauty and tradition of a Church wedding
We are delighted to welcome couples to our beautiful churches for their wedding. The service is central to one of the most important days of your life and we do everything we can to ensure that it is really special. We are also here to help you prepare for your married life together. By getting married in church, you are asking for God's blessing on your life together - the best start you can have.
How do we get married at one of the five churches?
The first thing to do is to contact the Rector who will discuss the whole process with you. This will include booking a wedding date (please do not book your reception before checking if the church is available!), getting to know you both and filling out an application form. Subsequent meetings are about helping you to prepare for marriage and thinking about the marriage service itself eg choice of music, hymns, readings etc and a final rehearsal before the day.
What other matters should we be thinking about?
You need to have a link with the church in order to be married there. For example one or both of you will live in the parish, will have lived there in the past, or one of your parents will have lived there. If you worship there regularly you can also be married there. There are also some other ways you can qualify to be married in a church and the Rector will talk through these criteria with you.
Do you marry divorced people?
It is possible for divorced people to marry in church subject to special conversations between the couple and the priest about the circumstances, to enable a decision to be made and approved by the Bishop. It is also possible to have a wedding blessing after a civil marriage ceremony which can contain some of the elements of the wedding service. Please speak to the Rector for further advice.
How much does it cost to get married?
There is a set fee for churches across the country which includes all that is legally required and is approximately £500 plus heating costs in winter months. Local extras such as the ringing of the bells, and the fee for an organist will increase the cost. As requirements differ between individual couples, we will be able to advise on the exact amounts.
Any other questions?
More information on weddings can be found on the Church of England's weddings site - www.yourchurchwedding.org
If you would like to find out more, please contact us:
Maryanne Fleming (Benefice Administrator)
Tel: 07958 629506
