Weddings
Congratulations on your decision to get married!
We’re delighted that you would like your marriage service to take place in St Peter’s. We do hope that all your wedding preparations will go well, and that you will be able to build a strong marriage and to know God’s richest blessing on your relationship.
Who can get married?
You are welcome to have a Church of England wedding, regardless of your beliefs. Spiritual beliefs are complex and varied. This need not be a barrier to a church wedding.
You do not need to be baptised (christened).
One of both of us is divorced – can we still marry?
The Church of England agreed in 2002 that divorced people could remarry in church under certain circumstances. We believe that marriage is for life, but in the reality of human relationships, this unfortunately isn’t always the case.
Speak to the Priest about your situation. He will want to talk to you frankly about your past and your hopes for the future and will let you know whether we can remarry you.
If it turns out to be impossible for us to take the service in your case, then we will gladly offer you a service of prayer and blessing after a civil ceremony.
Where can I get married?
Provided there are no other complicating circumstances, couples can choose to get married in:
Their local parish
The parish where they were baptised and/or confirmed
A parish they have lived in for 6 months or more, at any time during their lives
A parish they have attended worship in for at least 6 months
The parish their parents lived or worshipped in (during your lifetime)
The parish their parents or grandparents were married in
You can check which parish you live in online using the website www.achurchnearyou.com and entering your postcode.
What will it cost?
In most cases, the fee will be about £700. This includes mandatory fees, music, and staff on the day.
Can the wedding be personal?
Legally, no part of the wedding vows can be changed. However, some couples have created poems, prayers or songs dedicated to their partner as an expression of their devotion and included them at some point in the service. We encourage you to make the wedding as personal is possible – that can mean freedom about the music you want; contributions from friends with readings; the layout of the building, etc.
The Priest would be delighted to talk about how to blend your ideas in to those things required by law to produce something special and personal to you both.
How do I arrange the wedding?
Please contact Fr Richard Parker on 01226 749231 or email: Contact the Priest
Learn about weddings in the Church of England
All life events at St Peter's can be live streamed!
Music at a wedding
You will be able to choose the following:
Entrance music
Hymns (suggested 2 hymns)
Music for Signing of the Registers
Exit music
You don’t have to have ‘Here Comes the Bride’ for your entrance music, it is entirely up to you. Please note that if you video your wedding (even on a mobile phone), you are required to pay £6 to comply with copyright law as a public performance license is needed.
This is a list of suggested hymns that you could choose, but it is not exhaustive. If you would like any more information, speak to Fr Richard or visit www.yourchurchwedding.org
All Things Bright & Beautiful
Bind Us Together
Come Down O Love Divine
Father Hear the Prayer We Offer
For the Beauty of the Earth
Give Me Joy in My Heart (Sing Hosanna)
Here I Am Lord
Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us
Let All the World in Every Corner Sing
Lord Jesus Christ (Living Lord)
Lord of All Hopefulness
Lord the Light of Your Love is Shining (Shine Jesus Shine)
Love Divine All Loves Excelling
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Morning Has Broken
O Perfect Love
O Praise Ye the Lord
O Worship the King
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
The Lord is My Shepherd
One More Step Along the World I Go