Weddings

Thinking about a Church wedding?

 Congratulations!

Here is a list of FAQ's which may be useful, but do contact the Vicar (Revd Michelle Goodrich) who will be happy to meet you in person to discuss your plans even at an early stage.

Can I get married at St Mary’s?

If you can answer 'yes' to any of these questions then yes you can get married at St Mary’s

• I live in the parish or my fiancé lives in the parish
• I worship regularly at St Mary’s and am on the electoral roll, or this applies to my fiancé
• I or my fiancé have evidence of a 'qualifying connection' with St Mary’s (these are detailed below)

What is a 'qualifying connection'?

• ​I was baptised in the parish (by a Church of England service/form of Baptism)
• I have been confirmed (by a Church of England service) and my confirmation is entered in a register belonging to St Mary’s
• My parent or grandparent was married in the parish by a Church of England service
• I have had my usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months
• My parent has had his/her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months
• I have habitually attended public worship at St Mary’s for at least 6 months
• My parent has habitually attended public worship at St Mary’s for at least 6 months during my lifetime

What if one of us has been married before and the former partner is still living?

There are circumstances in which you would be able to be married at St Mary’s - the best thing is to talk with Michelle.  She can first give you some written information and will then be happy to see you for further discussion if you wish.

How do we book a date?

It is best to discuss your preferred date with Michelle before you confirm your reception arrangements.  Bookings can be taken for 2021.

What does it cost?

• Publication of Banns     £34
• Marriage service           £505
• Marriage Certificate       £17

Parochial Church Council Fee: a fixed fee of £155 is charged whatever time of year you choose to get married, this fee covers the cost of the following:

• Cleaning      (£25)
• Heating (to heat church for three hours it costs around £90)
• Verger (£40)
• Music License (this varies depending on the music and if a video is being made)

Should you wish to have an organist or pianist we have two available to play, their fee is usually £100 and is additional to the fee’s listed above.

After the wedding is booked what happens next?

Rev. Michelle will arrange for a member of the clergy to meet with you on at least two occasions prior to the wedding for Marriage Preparation.  This includes looking in detail at the Service and what you would like in the way of music, flowers, etc.  Arrangements would also be made for your Banns to be read.  Then a date is fixed for a rehearsal for yourselves, and those who will be assisting with the Marriage Ceremony (eg. Best Man, Bridesmaids etc).

We look forward to welcoming you to St Mary’s - do come along to one of our services on a Sunday when you will be able to meet the Clergy and find out more.  You will also find useful information by following this link:

Church of England weddings