If you are planning your wedding, then congratulations from all at St Mary’s and Christ Church!
We are delighted when couples choose to get married in church, and recent changes in the law make this much easier. You do not have to be baptised or a churchgoer to get married in church, although the marriage service is of course a Christian one, in which you make promises to God, as well as each other.
St Mary’s, owing to its wonderful heritage and picturesque setting, is a popular place to get married. You are welcome to get married in either of our churches, as long as you fulfil one of the following criteria:
One of you must have:
- lived at any time in the parish for a period of at least six months
- been baptised at St Mary’s, Christ Church or St Mary Magdalene’s, Holders Hill
- been prepared for confirmation in the parish
- attended regular services at St Mary’s, Christ Church or St Mary Magdalene’s, Holders Hill at any time for a period of at least six months
- attended St Mary's High School and attended School Eucharists
Or that one of your parents, at any time after you were born, has:
- lived in the parish for a period of at least six months
- attended regular services at St Mary’s, Christ Church or St Mary Magdalene’s, Holders Hill at any time for a period of at least six months
Or that one of your parents or grandparents was:
- married at St Mary’s, Christ Church or St Mary Magdalene’s, Holders Hill.
To find out whether an address is in the parish of St Mary and Christ Church, go to www.achurchnearyou.comand enter the postcode. There may be other circumstances in which you could get married in St Mary’s or Christ Church; please do contact the Vicar.
If you would like to get married at St Mary’s or Christ Church please contact the Vicar well in advance. The priest who will officiate at your wedding service will need to fill in some forms with you, and will want to talk to you about your special service, and the Christian understanding of marriage.
The Church of England has its own site dedicated to church weddings. Go to www.yourchurchwedding.org