WEDDING
Congratulations!
We are so pleased that you are thinking about getting married at St Peter's. Do read through the information here and also Your Church Wedding, where you will find answers to many of the frequently asked questions about getting married in church. If you would like to talk to someone about getting married at St Peter's please contact us at the Parish Office (01252 513111 e-mail) or see one of the ministers after a Sunday service.
Our weddings are rooted in the reality of God’s love and the Church of England’s teaching on marriage. If you decide to hold your wedding here, we will invite you to our marriage preparation course which is held to help prepare you for the commitment of marriage. Do contact us if you would like to know more about marriage preparation.
‘And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.’ - Colossians 3:14 -
Frequently Asked Question
How do we book a wedding at St Peter's?
Simply phone the Parish Office on 01252 513111 or e-mail and we will take it from there!
An idea of the cost?
The basic charge for a wedding is fixed by the Church of England nationally. Further fees, for musicians, bells, PA, etc are added by the church council. A list of fees is included in the booking pack. Banns read in other churches or Licenses are charged separately.
We don't come to church/live in the parish. Can we still get married at St Peter's?
To get married at St Peter's you need either to live in the parish or have a qualifying connection to the parish (details of qualifying connection are available here or ask the Parish Office).
How far in advance do I need to arrange a date to get married?
The minimum amount of time of notice would (unless exceptional circumstances) be a month... although most people are looking for a date further in advance. There are certain dates that are unavailable, because of other events in the life of the church. If you have a specific date in mind please mention it when you contact us.
What are 'Banns'?
Banns are part of the legal side of marriage. As the Church of England is the Established Church in England, the minister also acts as the lawyer and performs both the legal and religious parts of the marriage. The reading of 'banns' is a legal requirement and serves notice of intent of a couple wanting to get married. Banns are read out in a church service on 3 consecutive Sundays (at St Peter's and if you live in a different parish in your parish church). At St Peter's Banns are normally read during the 9.30am service.
Are divorcees allowed to get married at St Peter's?
At present, the laws governing marriage do not allow remarriage in church where the former partner is still alive, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Part of the reason for this is that the church has a responsibility to safeguard the understanding of marriage as a lifelong union.
There is a realisation however, that there are times when a marriage fails, and so we review each application in its own right. This will involve speaking to one of the clergy team.