Thank you for visiting our website in connection with your proposed marriage. We look forward to helping you with your wedding day arrangements and will do our best to make it a very special day for you both.
The following step-by-step guide will help you plan ahead.
Clergy consultation
We will arrange a meeting where we discuss you plans. We will look at your marriage application, wedding requirements and fees.
Application for Special or Common Licence
If you are a foreign national or hope to be married in a church where you have no connections, you may need to apply for one or other of these licences. If this is the case, contact me directly and I will give you the necessary information to help you.
The service, what you need to decide
You will need to choose music to come in and leave by, also the hymns, usually couples have two hymns but you could have more if you wish. There will be two readings, you should choose one from the Bible and one other, this can be a poem or an excerpt from a favourite piece of literature. The yourchurchwedding website is a great resource for ideas. You can ask friends or family to give the readings, and you may also wish to ask someone to sing or play a musical instrument while you sign the register. You will also need to ask two people to be witnesses to your marriage and they will also sign the register.
The next clergy consultation(s)
About four months before the wedding, make another appointment to meet the Rector. You will need to bring a draft copy of your service sheet with you if you are going to have one. If you are not having a service sheet, please bring a list of the readings and music you would like.
Reading of the Banns
If either of you live in a different parish, you will need to see the minister of that parish to arrange your Banns to be read there. This is vital! You must show the certificate that you will receive from that church to the Rector, without it, you cannot marry! The Banns will be read in the church where you will marry for three Sundays shortly before your wedding date; please try to attend at least one service to hear them. We will contact you to let you know the exact dates beforehand.
Final service sheet
Please let the Rector have two copies of the agreed final service sheet two weeks before your wedding.
Payment
Fees need to be paid in full at least six weeks before your wedding.
Rehearsal
The Rector will arrange a wedding rehearsal for you so that you know exactly what to expect. This is usually the Thursday evening before your wedding (assuming you will marry on a Saturday) and you will need to bring your service sheet, both sets of parents if possible, the best man, the bridesmaids, ushers and anyone else who is taking part in the service e.g. readings/singing etc.
Photographs or videos
We are happy for guests to take photographs but please, no flash photography. If people are using their mobiles to take photos, please ensure that they are on mute. If a professional video recording is going to be made, there is no charge made by the church but because of performing rights the fees for the organist and choir are doubled.