WEDDINGS

We are delighted that you are exploring being married and many congratulations on your engagement. 

One of the first places you can go to receive answers to your questions is a website provided by the Church of England.

Click on this link to take you to their FAQ page: 

http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/

For details on weddings at Saint Stephen's please contact the church office on:

Email: info@saint-stephens.com

Phone: 0117 922 5267

INTRODUCTION

If you are reading this then it’s because you’re either thinking about a wedding or you’ve booked a wedding at Saint Stephen's.  A church wedding is not just about a beautiful venue – it’s about making a lifelong commitment to another person in the sight and presence of God and wider community.  For many couples they sense or feel God even if they are not followers of Jesus or members of a local church – but if you engage with the real meaning of a church wedding then you will find the experience a very meaningful and deeply moving occasion (as well as a fun, exciting and joyous one).

There is more information available, but the next step may be to contact the Office or talk to a member of the clergy. You are welcome to come along to one of our Sunday worship gatherings to meet us.

WHO CAN GET MARRIED IN THE CHURCH BUILDING?

Anyone who is resident in the parish of Saint Stephen's (or is on the Church Electoral Roll) or who has a qualifying connection which you can read below.  We do marry divorcees at the recor’s discretion.  

You can marry in a CofE church if you can show:-

  • That one of you:

    • has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or

    • was baptised in the parish concerned or

    • was prepared for confirmation in the parish or

    • has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or

  • That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:

    • has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or

    • has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or

  • That one of your parents or grandparents:

    • was married in the parish

What about same-sex couples?

It is not currently possible for same-sex couples to be married in Church of England churches.  However, we would be delighted to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership with prayers of blessing following a civil ceremony elsewhere.  Please contact us for more information.

HOW DO I BOOK A WEDDING?

In the first instance For more information please contact our administrator or use our contact form. You will then be invited to our Sunday worship to meet one of the Clergy team, to experience our church community, and in due course complete a Marriage Application form.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

Your wedding service may be the least expensive part of the day and, while some costs may vary, the following are set costs for a Church of England wedding:

  • Marriage Service £531

  • Publications of Banns £36

  • Utilities £60

  • Verger £50

We can also put you in touch with a range of pianists or organists.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY?

You will need to pay a non-returnable deposit of £100 after you have completed the initial Banns of Marriage form.  This deposit will need to be paid to secure the date, with the balance payable in full no later than three weeks before the wedding day.

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