Weddings

Congratulations on your engagement! We are delighted that you are seeking further information about being married at St Michael’s.

Getting married is one of the most important occasions in life and cannot happen without a service! We will do everything we can to ensure that it is really special and that your arrangements are right for you. We are also here to help you prepare for your married life together. By getting married in church, you are asking for God’s blessing on your life together - the best start you can have. 

Can we get married at St Michael’s?

If one or both of you live in the parish or worship regularly in St Michael’s you are entitled to get married here by Banns. This is an old tradition, still legally required, whereby an announcement of your impending marriage is read out in church on three Sundays beforehand. Traditionally, this gives members of the public a chance to object to the marriage but this is extremely rare these days! If neither of you live in the Parish, it may still be possible to get married here. If you choose to attend services regularly for six months you can apply to be placed on the church electoral roll and therefore get married by Banns. The Vicar will be happy to advise you on this. In other circumstances, for example, if you have recently moved from the parish but have parents still living locally it may be possible to apply for a Special Licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury. We can help you with this. There may be other circumstances under which a wedding here would be possible - please get in touch with the vicar to talk it through.

Why get married in church?

There are many venues now available for your wedding, so why choose to get married in a church? People get married in church for many different reasons. Some people opt to get married in church because they want a white wedding; others feel it won’t be a proper wedding otherwise; it will look nice in the photos. None of these are wrong reasons to decide on a wedding ceremony in church, but whatever reason you have it is important to remember that by choosing to marry before God in a setting of prayer you are assured of God’s faithful love to sustain you and your marriage in the years to come. We do encourage everyone getting married at St Michael’s to come and join us in worship for a few Sunday mornings – this helps you feel more comfortable on your wedding day.

I have been previously married and am now divorced. Can I be married at St Michael’s?

The Church of England affirms that marriage should always be undertaken as a "solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman". It recognises that sometimes there is an irreconcilable breakdown in relationships. The church also recognises that the Christian faith is about new beginnings. It would be important that anyone applying to be considered for a marriage in church after divorce had all the issues from their first marriage amicably settled. The parish has an agreed policy for those seeking marriage who have been previously married and whose former partner is still living. The vicar will need to speak with you in some more detail and we will need to see your decree absolute. Marriage is not usually solemnised in church after more than one divorce.

It is also possible to arrange a service of prayer and dedication after a civil marriage. This is commonly called a church blessing. Please talk to the vicar if you would like more information about this. 

When do we have to book?

It is best to book the church as soon as you have decided to get married. We currently have bookings up to two years in advance but there are still plenty of spare dates in the calendar. It is important to check with us that the church is available before booking your reception. Usually we do not have more than two weddings on any day – it is important that you do not feel rushed, and the clergy, choir and organist are all fresh to help make your day special

What does the service consist of?

The normal pattern for a service contains music for the entrance of the bride, two or three hymns, music during the signing of the register and music as the couple walk back down the aisle. The church organist will be happy to talk through these items with you. The service also includes one or two readings, one a Bible reading and the second another suitable reading, to be checked with the clergy. The choir sing at the service, and the bells will be rung at the end of the service to greet the married couple.

Do you allow our guests to throw confetti?

Yes – but please away from the church door! We do ask confetti is biodegradable; we have lots of squirrels and birds in our church garden.

Do we have to get married on a Saturday?

No; it is possible to get married on any day of the week, providing that the church is available. If you wish to get married on another day of the week please enquire. A choir may not always be available at midweek services but we will do our best to accommodate your request.

What do we need to do now?

To discuss the possibility of getting married at St Michael’s or if you have further questions please contact Revd Morag Finch on 01708 741084.