Weddings

View of wedding through the chancel screen

The wedding of Poppy Ionides and Samuel Freakley 10 May 2008

Marriage is the union of one man and one woman for life to the exclusion of all others, traditionally contracted between them in church. It is a gift of God in making us human. For that reason the Church does not insist that those who marry in church are churchgoers, or that they are baptised (or even that they are Christians), so long as they are prepared to be married according to the form of service that the church uses. If you are divorced, life is more complicated but it is now often possible to be married in church. Ask Fr Andrew.

You may be married here at St Mary’s if you live in the village, or if you worship here regularly but the church is presently changing its rules to make them more flexible. In this very mobile society people move around a lot. So, from this autumn is it likely that you will be able to be married here even if you don’t live hereabouts if you can show some other connection. What counts are as follows:

if you live in the parish;
if you have been baptised or confirmed in the parish;
if you have lived in the parish for six months or more, at any time during your lives;
if you have having worshipped in the parish for at least six months;
If your parents lived or worshipped in the parish (during the child's lifetime);
if your parents or grandparents were married in the church.

Fr Andrew awaits the bride

The bride arrives

Bridesmaids waiting by the font

Outside the church

Wedding limo Norfolk style

If you feel that although none of these conditions apply to you still want to be married in St. Mary’s, it may be possible to be married here by Special Licence, which is granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. To apply or find out more contact The Faculty Office, 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3JT or telephone 020 7222 5381 or go to their website.

In any case, if you have any queries, get in touch with Fr Andrew and he will advise you. For any general queries you can always go to the Church of England website.

When you see Fr Andrew he will explain to you the preliminaries. Normally there is some form of preparation, both practical and spiritual. Clergy are not experts on mortgages, family planning, surveying or painting and decorating but there is more to a marriage than these important issues. Because Christian marriage is intended to be for life our approach to our spouse is of a particular character.

Practically, arrangements have to be made for the time and date of the wedding, who is to take part, what music will be played and by whom. Good liaison between the church and florists, photographers, vidoegraphers, chauffeurs, etc. makes the day go more smoothly. All of this the vicar will help you with as well as offering suggestions for hymns and readings and much else.

General Links for

Newsletter subscription

Weddings

With thanks to Poppy Ionides and Samuel Freakley for the use of their wedding photographs.