We love to do weddings in church!
Please get in touch with the vicar at any time. He will be pleased to guide you through the process. You don’t have to be a Church member to get married in church, although you do make your vows in the sight of Almighty God.
What is it about? Marriage is a lifelong sign of commitment, giving security to bride and bridegroom, and to their children. The commitment you make is more than a certificate or even a nice occasion, although it will be both those things. Marriage is a sign of your public and solemn promise to each other …
“for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer
in sickness and in health,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy law.”
Photo opportunities outside the church are fantastic both in St Oswald’s and All Saints churches. Foreign nationals will need to approach the Diocesan Registrar for a licence. The vicar will be happy to explain.
Marrying outside your parish
You might want to marry in a church outside your local area because it has special significance for you. Perhaps you attended that church as a child; or your family live there; or you lived there when you were younger. You are now allowed to marry there, as long as one of you can show one of the following seven connections with the parish.
That one of you
- was baptised in the parish concerned or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
- That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
That one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish
Marrying after divorce
If one of you has been previously married, and the previous partner is still living, there are circumstances in which you can get married in church; your vicar will be pleased to explain if this can be possible for you.
For further advice on getting married in church, look up http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/
Costs
Charges for a wedding, in 2023 are £630, including organist and all optional extras, and there is no VAT. What other venue can match getting married in Church?
Occasionally, we’re asked to bless a marriage which for whatever reason has happened before coming into church (such as not having the above mentioned ‘qualifying connection’ but still wanting part of the celebration to happen in one of our church buildings. This can be done under certain circumstances. There is a charge for use of the building for events such as this, do get in touch if you’d like to know more.
Contact
Contact the Priest in Charge, Derek, on 07880 508174.