Congratulations! We hope that your wedding day will be a special one and if there’s anything we can do to help, please just ask.
Getting married at St Mary’s
The Church of England has produced a helpful website www.yourchurchwedding.org with answers to most of the questions you may have about getting married in church, and some you may not have even thought of. It also has some great suggestions about music, hymns, readings etc.
If you are hoping to get married at St Mary’s, then please
contact our Vicar,The Revd Matt Drummond.
Who can get married at St Mary’s
There are some legal restrictions on who can get married in churches. Basically, to be married here, you either need to be or have been resident in the Parish for at least six months, have ever worshipped with us for six months or more, or have a at need a ‘qualifying connection’ with the Church. You have such a connection if you or your partner:
- Have or had a parent who ever resided in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime.
- Were baptised at St Mary’s, or were prepared for Confirmation by St Mary’s, even if that Confirmation service took place in a different parish.
- Have or had a parent or grandparent who were married in the parish.
Marriage after divorce
If either party has been divorced, marriage in church is possible, but is not automatic and needs to be carefully considered together with the Vicar. In line with Church of England policy, marriage of divorcees is allowed within certain conditions. The couple will meet with the Vicar to discuss their circumstances.
Our policy as a church is that at least one of the couple live in the parish or already worships regularly. If after discussions a marriage is agreed, the expectation is that the couple, if not already doing so, will worship regularly for six months as a sign of their commitment to a Christian Marriage.
Calling of Banns
If you live in the parish but you’re planning to get married in another church, please contact the Vicar who will go through the arrangements for the calling of your Banns.
Banns are called on three Sundays in the three months before the wedding. Leaving it late can cause problems and cost more than the normal £52 (2026), so please get in touch at least three months before you need them.
To check which parish you live in please enter your postcode on the following website www.achurchnearyou.com.
Blessing of same sex marriages
At present, the Church of England is prohibited from performing same-sex marriages, but St Mary’s is keen to do all it can to support all couples who want to make a lifelong commitment to each other. Please come and have a chat if you want to explore what’s possible.
We look forward to getting to know you more over the coming months as you prepare to take this important step in your life and faith.
We will be praying for you both, and for your families in the run up to your big day and beyond.
Wedding Flowers
It is possible for your own florist to provide and arrange your flowers in the Church for your “special” day but we have an experienced and talented team of flower arrangers at St. Mary’s who would be delighted to offer this service at a competitive cost.
Further information: Merri Womack 0208 777 8772