Weddings
Who can be married at St Andrew’s?
Provided you are a bachelor or a spinster over the age of 16 and live in the parish of St Andrew’s you have the right to be married here. A person under the age of 18 requires the consent of their parents or a magistrate.
Alternatively if you are baptised and have attended our church services on a regular basis for at least six months, regardless of where you live, your name can be considered for entry on our Electoral Roll (official membership list). Once a person’s name is on our Electoral Roll, assuming they are not divorced, they qualify for marriage in this church.
It is important to note that when you start attending St Andrew’s you make yourself know to the clergy. If nobody knows you, your application to join the Electoral Roll would probably be declined.
What is the legal procedure if we meet the above criteria?
In such circumstances your marriage would normally be by reading the banns. That means your names must be read out in the church on three Sundays before the wedding, and this legal requirement is knows as publishing the banns of marriage.
In addition when one or both of you reside outside the boundaries of this parish your banns of marriage must be published in (both) the parish church(es) where you and your fianceé(e) reside.
Are there other means of qualifying for marriage at St Andrew’s?
If it is not possible for you to meet the aforementioned qualifications for a marriage by banns, there are circumstances in which other forms of qualification can be considered. Please speak to a member of the clergy or office staff to find out more.
How much does a wedding at St Andrew’s cost?
For every wedding that takes place in a Church of England church, a statutory fee is payable. In addition there is a fixed amount payable to the Organist and should you require them, the Bell Ringers. Details of the current charges for a wedding can be obtained from the church office.
What is the position if one or both of us is divorced?
The church upholds the view that marriage is for life but it also recognises that marriages do break down. Consequently, if a person has been divorced and their previous spouse is still alive, we can generally offer a Service of Prayer and Dedication following a civil marriage.
Do I have to be married on a Saturday?
No. Traditionally most people are married on a Saturday, but marriages may legally take place at any time between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Do you hold Marriage Preparation Classes?
It is an amazing fact that most people spend more time learning to drive a car than they do in preparing for their marriage. At St Andrew’s we take seriously the need for couples to prepare for marriage together and at various times throughout the year we run a series of Marriage Preparation Classes. Details available from the church office.
Everyone who is planning to be married at St Andrew’s is expected to attend these classes.
What should I do to book my wedding?
Assuming you meet the criteria for a wedding at St Andrew’s, ar at least place to do so before your wedding day, contact the church office.
Give the necessary details, such as your names, addresses, date and time of the wedding, to the office staff so that they can record the details in the Wedding Diary.
The clergy will discuss the matter further with you and complete the appropriate forms with you. We ask for a deposit to confirm the booking.