Newbury was founded late in the eleventh century and as a historical town has some fantastic old church buildings. Now we are in an era described as ‘the teenies,’ a high percentage of couples prefer to get married in civil venues. However there are still many couples who would prefer a traditional church wedding with all the trimmings.  If a traditional wedding is what you want then I can think of no better town than Newbury to host such an occasion. With its historical building and picturesque settings, Newbury is a quaint traditional town. Below I have listed a few Churches ideal for a traditional wedding.

•  Glendale Church Newbury
•  St Francis De Sales Church
•  St George the Martyr Church
•  St John The Evangelist
•  St Marys Church Thatcham
•  St Nicolas Church, Newbury

There are a few things to consider before you decide which church looks the prettiest. Obviously all churches are deeply faith based; many of them will not allow just anyone to be married there. Some churches hold special requirements such as being a member of the parish for a certain period of time or attending marriage counselling before the wedding. I suggest that you send a wedding enquiry through to the church asking what the procedures are for arranging a wedding with them. I can honestly say almost, if not all Vicars will be happy to have a sit down meeting with you to discuss the subject further, they may even offer you tea and biscuits which is always a bonus!

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The prospect of choosing hymns can be daunting if the bride and groom have limited experience of attending church.  Usually, three hymns are required.  One possibility is to select one hymn relevant to the occasion (there are plenty of hymns which celebrate love), another relevant to the church season (how about a carol for a December wedding?) and finally a rousing favourite to end with.  Unless the congregation is likely to be in good voice, it might be as well to invest in a choir to lead the singing.

Some thought will also need to be given to the entrance and exit music and possibly something to entertain the congregation during the signing of the register.  The options are innumerable, but the organist might be limited as to repertoire by the capacity of the instrument.  For example, Widor’s Toccata in F (an old favourite) is not going to be manageable on a small harmonium instrument with no pedal board.  It is therefore worth checking with your organist in advance.

It is becoming increasingly less common for churches (especially smaller churches) to employ their own resident organist.  In that event, the incumbent should be able to recommend a suitable organist.  Why not ask whether you can meet him or her in advance to discuss any pieces you may have in mind?

James Woodhouse, who lives near Newbury, is a freelance organist in his spare time and can be contacted on (01635) 253857 or at james.woodhouse123@virgin.net.

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Most people assume that unless you visit the Church every Sunday it can be difficult, so just what do you need to have or do to get married in a Church?

To get married in a church, one person getting married has to live within the area covered by the Church, so to get married in a Church in Newbury, one of you has to live in the Newbury Area or be on the electoral roll of one of the churches in the Team. To join the electoral roll you have to be a regular worshipper at church for six months. A newish rule which was only introduced a few years ago now also makes it much easier for couples to get married in a church where they have a family or other special connections, even if you or your partner don’t live in the parish.

Same sex marriages are not permitted and both people have to be at least eighteen years old, though with the consent of their parents people can get married from the age of sixteen.

You sometimes cannot  get married in a Church if  either of you has been married before and has a partner still living. Under these circumstances, the decision on whether or not to marry you rests with the clergy concerned. Although the answer is often ‘yes’, you should not take this for granted and must discuss it with them before making any arrangements.

Wedding Banns

The law says that you need to have your banns read at the main service in church on three Sundays during the three months before your marriage. This has to be done the church where you wish to be married and also, if appropriate, at the church in the parish where your future husband or wife lives.

Cost of a Church Wedding in Newbury

You will need to pay the legal fees decided each year by Parliament. These fees are usually increased in January of each year and you have to pay the fees in operation at the date of your wedding. At the last check, the cost is £254.00 for weddings in 2009 and is likely to be £260.00 for weddings in 2010. The Marriage Certificate usually costs about £3.50. On top of this you may have to pay for your Wedding Banns.

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Steeped in history, this superb early 16th century church was built by the famous cloth-merchant of history and legend, Jack O’Newbury, and his son. St Nicolas Church was also used by Cromwell’s troops as a stable, hospital and prison at the time of the 1st Battle of Newbury (at Wash Common) and they destroyed all the so-called “Popish” fittings. Despite this, there are still remains a splendid Jacobean pulpit and sounding board of 1607.

To get married at St Nicolas Church, you will have to adhere to the rules stipulated for getting married in any Church in England. Read Who can get married in a Church for more details.

Most weddings at St Nicolas take place on a Saturday although this is not set in stone and you can get  married on any day of the week at any time between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm. Just remember to check with the church and book early, before finalising your arrangements as it may be being used by other people or the minister may be busy.

What will it cost to get married at St. Nicolas?

Decided by Parliament, you will need to pay the legal fees which currently stands at £254.00 for weddings in 2009 and is likely to be £260.00 for weddings in 2010. The Marriage Certificate costs £3.50.

Wedding Banns

On top of this the law says that you need to have your banns read on three Sundays during the three months before your marriage.at the main service in church. This has to be done at the church where you wish to be married as well as at the church in the parish where your future husband or wife lives. St Nicolas church currently charges £22.00. Be aware that If banns need to be read at another church you will will also have to arrange this. The second Church will issue with a certificate indicating that the banns have been read, this charge is currently £34.00. Remember you must bring this certificate to the church office before your wedding.

Photography within the Church:

No photography is permitted during the service itself.

More Details & Related Links

You can contact the Parish Co-ordinator, Sue Elliott, at the St Nicolas Church Office (tel: 01635 529783)
Website: St Nicolas Church

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