Weddings

Getting married at All Saints’

We are pleased that you are enquiring about getting married at All Saints’. Here we tell you about some of the ways in which we can help you to make your wedding as special as possible.  You will find information about the legal procedures and preparations involved in marriage.

 Where to start

Getting married in church is usually no more complicated than getting married in a registry office, although there are some differences.  If you are not a member of the church electoral roll, we’ll need to check that one of you lives in the parish. You do not need to be a regular churchgoer, but we do want to help you think about what it means to get married in the presence of God.

Begin to prepare well in advance

Co-ordination of dates is vital.  It is usually good to have a couple of alternative dates.  Then phone to find out when the church is available.  We will then take down a few details and make a provisional booking if you wish.

Once your other arrangements are in place, please confirm the date with us.

Marriage Preparation

We hold regular Marriage Preparation sessions for those who are getting married at All Saints’.  This is a very helpful way to prepare as a couple, and to meet others who are at a similar stage.  We would encourage you strongly to come to this and will let you know the next date when you book.

Legal requirements

Calling the banns is a historic way of fulfilling the public legal requirements for marriage.  The vicar simply announces your names and which parish you live in.  This is done at the main service on three consecutive Sundays, sometime before the wedding.

If one of you lives in another parish, you must arrange for the banns to be read in the Church of England parish, which covers that area. You will then need to arrange a banns certificate from them (for which they will charge a fee) and you will need to bring the certificate to the church before the day of the wedding.

If you are getting married in another church but one of you lives in this parish, you must have your banns called here, and take the certificate to the officiating minister.

Order of service

Once the date of the wedding is confirmed, Anna will meet with you to talk about the order of service, including hymns and music. I f you are having an order of service printed, we will discuss that with you, and will need to see a draft copy before the final version is printed.

Rehearsal

You’ll have a rehearsal in the church, usually a few days before the service.  Speak to the vicar to arrange the date and time.

Photographs

Photographs may be taken inside or outside the church provided that they do not interfere with the service. Videos can be made during the service, by arrangement with the vicar.

Confetti

Confetti may be thrown outside the church building, on the tarmac areas.

Flowers

Many people like to put a display of flowers in the church for their wedding, which you will need to organise separately. The church flower co-ordinator can advise you about the availability of pedestals, etc, and can also quote for doing an arrangement for you if you would like.  Please ensure that you inform her of what you are planning, and arrange access to the church in good time.

Music

Please talk to the vicar in the first instance about the hymns and music you would like.  There are generally up to three hymns.  You can contact the church organist, Mark Hinton Stewart, if you have any particular requirements or queries.  We also have a church choir who can sing at the service if you wish. 

Bells

We are fortunate at All Saints’ to have an active team of bell ringers, who are able to ring before and after the service.  Please let us know in good time if you would like this, so that the ringers can be booked.

Fees

We produce a separate form outlining the fees for getting married at All Saints’, which charges are essential and which are optional.

Essentials

Service Fee (national church rate)                                   £254
Banns read in All Saints’                                                     £22
Marriage Certificate (each)                                                £3.50
(many couples choose to have 2 certificates)   
Local church expenses                                                      £220
(maintenance and utilities, marriage preparation)         
                                                                                                _____            

Total  (Cheque payable to All Saints’ PCC)                   _____

Organist                                                                                 £ 120   Choir                                                                                      £ 160   
Bells before and after service                                            £160