How do we get married at Saint George’s?

Congratulations!  We wish you well as you begin your journey into married life, and we would very much like to help you. Saint George’s is a very special building and a fine setting for your special day.

We believe that marriage is a wonderful gift from God. In the marriage ceremony, a couple make a public declaration of lifelong commitment to love each other, come what may.

We don’t live in the parish; how can we get married at Saint George’s?

A recent change in the law now means that you can get married in a church where one or both of the couple can establish a ‘Qualifying Connection’ with the parish. This connection may be any one of the seven that follow, that either of the couple:

1.    Was baptized in that church.

2.    Has been confirmed and was prepared for confirmation in that church.

3.    Has at any time lived in the parish for at least 6 months.

4.    Has at any time habitually attended public worship in that church for at least 6 months.

5.    Has or had a parent who lived in the parish for at least 6 months after the applicant was born.

6.    Has or had a parent who regularly attended public worship in that church for at least 6 months at any time during the applicant’s lifetime.

7.    Has or had a parent or grandparent who was married in that church.

Of course, if you already live in the parish, or worship regularly at the church, you automatically qualify, so there is no problem.

How much will it cost?

The legal fees for a marriage are fixed by Statute, and increase slightly every year.  Including the fee for an organist, the current charge (2009) for a wedding service is £439-50.

This charge does not cover any extras you may wish to have for the service, such as flowers, fees for video recording and so on. Ask the Parish Priest for details of these.

When should we approach the church to arrange the wedding?

As soon as you have decided to get married!  It’s always best to consult the Parish Priest first before booking other parts of the day. And please remember that we have an excellent hall attached to the church which can be used for wedding receptions. 

We’re not really churchgoers.  Can we still be married in church?

Yes. Saint George’s is a Parish Church and that means it’s there for everyone whether they attend church often or infrequently.  The church is there to serve the community, to welcome all those who wish to add that extra dimension to their special day. If you need further advice, the Parish Priest is always happy to talk things over with you.

Can we have a video recording of the service?

You will need to discuss this with the Parish Priest.  Usually there is no problem, but there is a fee chargeable (the church has a Christian Copyright Licence) and it is also customary to charge an extra fee for recording the organist (who is entitled to this as a professional musician).

What about flowers in church?

We have a team of skilled flower arrangers who can do this for you at a reasonable charge and they will be very happy to discuss options with you.  You can also do your own flower arrangements or engage your own florist. Ask for the telephone number of the Flower Team at your first meeting with the Parish Priest.

We’ve decided to get married abroad but we would like a church blessing afterwards. Is that possible?

There is a service of prayer and dedication after a civil ceremony and this can be adapted. There are no legal requirements, but the Parish Priest will need to see a copy of your wedding certificate.  Fees are charged to cover the use of the church building and the services of the organist.

One of us is divorced.  Can we still get married in church?

The Church of England believes that marriage is for life.  But it also recognises that for various reasons marriages can and do fail.  Christianity reminds us that we are dealing with a compassionate and forgiving God who is always prepared to offer us second chances.

There are circumstances in which a divorced person may marry again. All applications for remarriage are handled with care and sensitivity, but the Parish Priest will need to talk to you frankly about your past experiences and your hopes for the future. A remarriage is conducted at the conclusion of a lengthy process of discussion, enquiry and consultation and only after all legal requirements have been satisfied.

I’m Church of England and he’s a Roman Catholic. Does that matter?

People of all denominations have a right to be married in their parish church (provided they have not been married before). So it doesn’t matter from the Church of England’s perspective.  It is sometimes possible to involve the R.C. Priest in the service, so that both Christian traditions are brought into the wedding.