I know that there are many people who may not be the most active members in their local Church, but still wish to get married in a Church as part of the Christian tradition.
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.
It is finally 2010! Thanks for another year of beautifuly written articles. And ideas presented so engaging I feel I need body armor.
Wish my wedding will be as complete, great luck.