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Marriage

Getting Married

Christians believe that marriage is a gift from

God. In the marriage ceremony, a couple make

a public declaration of a lifelong commitment

to love each other.

 

The bible compares married love with the love Jesus has for his followers, an amazing love which led to Jesus sacrificing himself, even to die, for those whom he loved. In marriage we try to follow his example by loving our partners in a self-sacrificial way, putting their needs before our own.

If you choose to get married in church, you are asking God to be a part of your marriage.

 

By including God in your marriage you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that his love will sustain you. You will also have the support and encouragement of the Christian Church family.

 

If you are considering a church wedding then please do contact us to talk about your plans. We will be happy to answer your questions and to assist you with your wedding preparations. The contact details are given below.

 

However, questions that are often asked by those considering marriage in a church include:

 

Where can I get married?

From 1st October 2008 the Church of Englands New Marriage Measures allow couples to be married in a

       Church of England parish church if they can show a

        "qualifying connection" to that parish church. 

 

 

Meeting one of the following requirements is a "qualifying connection".

 

  • A Parish: where one or other of you lives or have had as your usual place of residence at any time for more than 6 months; 

  • If you regularly attend public worship or are on the electoral role of a parish or have in the past regularly attended worship in that parish for at least 6 months

  • If you were baptised or confirmed in the parish

  • If a parent has at anytime during your lifetime had their usual place of residence in the parish or has habitually attended worship in the parish for at least 6 months

  • A parent or grandparent was married in the parish.

 

More comprehensive details of the above requirements can be found on the Church of England website 

http://www.churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-funerals

 

 

Reading of the Banns

Banns will need to be published in each of the parishes where both applicants reside as well as in the parish where the wedding is to take place. In certain circumstances a commom licence can be issued, details of this can be obtained from the Rector.

 

At the moment it is only possible to have a Church of England wedding in a parish church or some other place of worship- normally one licensed by the Bishop.

 

What are the legal requirements?

There are certain legal requirements that have to be fulfilled in planning a church wedding and these can be discussed in more detail with you at the time you contact us to discuss your plans.

 

Legal requirements include the reading of Banns, parental consent if you are under the age of 18 and special guidelines if you have been divorced. 

 

What does it cost ?

There are set fees for the legal arrangements and for the service and details of the latest fees can be found on the Church of England web site, http://www.cofe.anglican.org/

 

There are additional local agreed fees for bells, choir etc which can be arranged as appropriate with the Rector.

 

Who should I contact?

If you would like to discuss the possibility of your marriage within one of our churches please contact one of the Church Wardens in the first instance using the contact form  here on this website

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