Weddings at St Mary’s Parish Church
Congratulations on your engagement. We are delighted that you
are considering celebrating your marriage with us.
St Mary’s Parish has two beautiful churches available for weddings:
• St Mary Magdalene (known locally as St Mary’s Parish Church)
• St Mary the Virgin (known locally as The Old Church)
A church wedding is a meaningful and joyful way to begin your married life together, and our clergy and team are here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you are newly engaged, planning ahead, or simply exploring your options, this page will guide you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose a Church Wedding?
A wedding at St Mary’s offers:
- A sacred and joyful setting for your vows
- A service rooted in Christian values
- Beautiful surroundings for photographs
- Support and guidance from our clergy
- Space for your family and friends to celebrate with you
A church wedding is not only a ceremony — it is a blessing over your life together.
Who Can Get Married at St Mary’s?
- You can marry at St Mary’s if any of the following apply:
- You live within the parish
- You are on the church’s electoral roll
- You have a qualifying connection (for example: you were baptised here, your parents lived here, you previously lived in the parish, etc.)
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can help you check.
What Happens Next?
1. Get in Touch
Contact the Church Office to discuss available dates and your eligibility. From here we will pass your enquiry over to the Rector.
2. Meet with the Minister
You’ll meet the minister who will conduct your wedding. This is a relaxed conversation about your plans, your story, and what the service will involve.
3. Marriage Preparation
All couples attend a short mandatory marriage preparation session, usually held in April. This is friendly, practical, and designed to help you think about your relationship and the promises you will make.
4. Reading of Banns
Your banns will be read in church on three Sundays before your wedding. This is a legal requirement and a lovely moment for the church congregation to pray for you.
If you live outside the parish, you are legally required to have your banns read in your home parish as well. If you’re unsure which parish you live in, the Church Office can help identify it.
The Wedding Service
Your service will include:
- One or two Bible readings
- Prayers
- The exchange of vows
- The giving of rings
- A blessing over your marriage
You can personalise your service with:
- Hymns or worship songs
- Readings chosen by you
- Music before and after the ceremony
- Additional prayers or symbolic actions (discussed with the minister)
Fees
Wedding fees are set nationally by the Church of England each year. These cover:
- The legal paperwork
- The minister
- The use of the church building
- The reading of banns
Optional extras could include:
- Organist
- Verger
- Heating (seasonal)
- Flowers
Photography & Video
Professional photographers and videographers are welcome. We simply ask that:
- The service remains reverent
- Flash photography is used sensitively
- Movement around the church is discreet
- An additional fee will be charged by musicians and/or choir
Your minister will guide you on what works best.
After the Wedding
We would love to continue supporting you as a married couple. You are warmly invited to:
- Join us for any of our Sunday services
- Explore Housegroups or courses such as Alpha
- Celebrate anniversaries with a blessing
St Mary’s is here for you long after your wedding day.
Ready to Begin?
If you would like to enquire about getting married at St Mary’s, please contact the church office or complete the Life Events Enquiry Form below. We look forward to helping you plan a joyful and meaningful wedding service.
Weddings FAQ
Can we get married at either church?
Yes. Weddings can take place at either of our two churches:
- St Mary Magdalene (St Mary’s Parish Church)
- St Mary the Virgin (the Old Church)
You can discuss which setting suits you best when you meet with the minister.
How many people fit in the Church?
St Mary Magdalene (St Mary’s Parish Church) can fit around 300 people and St Mary the Virgin (the Old Church) can fit up to 50 people. Please talk to your minister or the Church Office if you need more information.
Do we need to live in the parish to get married at St Mary’s?
Not necessarily. You can marry here if:
- You live in the parish,
- You are on the electoral roll, or
- You have a qualifying connection (e.g., you were baptised here, your parents lived here, or you previously lived in the parish).
If you’re unsure, the church office can help you check.
What is the first step in arranging a wedding?
Simply contact the church office. We will check your eligibility, discuss possible dates, and ask you to complete a ‘Life Events Enquiry Form’. We will then pass your enquiry to the Rector, who will guide you through the next steps.
Do we have to attend marriage preparation?
Yes. All couples attend a mandatory marriage preparation session, usually held in April. It’s friendly, practical, and designed to help you think about your relationship and the promises you will make.
What are banns and why do they matter?
Banns are an announcement of your intention to marry, read in church on three Sundays before your wedding. This is a legal requirement. If either of you lives outside the parish, you must also have your banns read in your home parish. The church office can help identify which parish that is.
Can we personalise our wedding service?
Absolutely. You can choose:
- Hymns or worship songs
- Bible readings
- Additional readings
- Music before and after the ceremony
- Extra prayers or symbolic actions (discussed and agreed with the minister)
Your minister will help you shape a service that reflects your story and your faith.
What are the fees for a church wedding?
The basic cost of a Church of England wedding is between £700 and £1,000, depending on the time of year and the options you choose. This standard fee covers the use of the church and the minister who will conduct your service.
Many couples also choose to add optional extras to make their day personal and memorable. These may include:
- Organist
- Verger
- Heating (seasonal)
- Flowers
- Choir (where available)
A full breakdown of fees will be provided when you enquire, so you can plan your day with confidence.
Do we receive a marriage certificate on the day?
No. Churches no longer issue marriage certificates. After your wedding, you will need to apply for your certificate through the local registrar. We will send you the details after the ceremony.
Can we have photography or video during the service?
Yes, professional photographers and videographers are welcome. We simply ask that:
- The service remains reverent
- Flashphotography is used sensitively
- Movement is discreet
- Musicians or choir may charge an additional fee for recordings
Your minister will guide your photographer on what is appropriate.
Can we have, flowers, or a choir?
Yes, depending on availability. These are optional extras and may involve additional fees. We can discuss these with you when planning your service.
Does the church have any church bells?
Unfortunately, no. Our bells cannot be tolled for wedding services due to the type of bells we have.
What about couples who are divorced?
The Church of England does allow the marriage of divorced people in church, depending on circumstances. The clergy may need to explore the background sensitively before agreeing.
This is not a “refusal” as such — it’s a pastoral conversation.
Safeguarding at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, the safety and wellbeing of every person is at the heart of all we do. Our clergy and team are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for couples preparing for marriage. As part of this commitment, we follow the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and national legal requirements.
Very occasionally, if a safeguarding concern arises, or if something suggests that one partner may not be entering the marriage freely or safely, the minister may need to pause the process to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. These situations are rare and always handled with great care, sensitivity, and respect.
Our aim is always to support you, to listen, and to walk with you toward a joyful and healthy marriage. Safeguarding is simply one of the ways we help protect and care for everyone involved.
Can you refuse to marry us?
At St Mary’s, our heart is always to welcome couples and support them as they prepare for marriage. In almost every situation, if you have a legal right to marry here, we will gladly do so. A church wedding is a joyful occasion, and we want to help you celebrate it.
There are, however, a few circumstances where a minister may need to pause, delay, or—very rarely—decline to conduct a wedding. These situations are usually connected to legal requirements or safeguarding concerns, and they are handled with great care and sensitivity.
One of the ways we support couples is through our mandatory marriage preparation session, which all couples attend. This is not a test or an assessment — it is a friendly and helpful time to think about your relationship, your communication, and the promises you will make. If a couple chooses not to attend the preparation session, the minister may need to delay or decline the wedding until this important step is completed.
Most often, if something needs attention it can be resolved simply by talking it through together. Our clergy will always explain the reasons clearly, listen to your situation, and work with you to find the best way forward.
For the vast majority of couples, the answer is simple: No — we will not refuse to marry you.
If you are free to marry, willing to engage with the preparation process, and are entering into this commitment thoughtfully and willingly, we will be delighted to walk with you toward your wedding day.