Why marry in Church?

Marriage is a very significant moment in people's lives.  You may feel that a church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. The ceremony includes God and looks to him for help and guidance. God’s blessing is the main attraction for many couples, whatever their beliefs. The vows you make in the presence of God and the congregation mean that your church and community are there to support you not just on the day, but throughout your married life.  Many churches offer outstanding beauty  - one of our churches, for example, St Mary Magdalene is a beautiful church dating from the 12th century.  Imagine all the couples who have married in this church down the ages - some of them may well have been your own family.  Holding your wedding here connects you to all that history, of which your story is part.  One of the clergy will help to plan your wedding with you.  A small amount of the ceremony is legally necessary, but there is a lot of flexibility to make your wedding personal, memorable, meaningful and beautiful, and you will be involved in making choices about your ceremony.  For many couples, church is the proper place to get married.  And you will find out after your wedding that the church is much more than a wedding venue - it is a community into which you are invited, and that will love and support you.

Can I get married in Church?

Yes, if you are legally free to marry in the UK.  You can get married in one of the churches in the parish if you live in the parish, or have one of a number of Qualifying Connections to the parish.

All the details,  including full details about the legal requirements before you can be married and a full list of the Qualifying Connections, can be found here.

There are other details, including practical suggestions about planning the service here.