Congratulations!
Congratulations on your engagement! We wish you well, and hope we can help you plan your wedding and begin married life.
We are glad that you are planning a church wedding when so many opt for a civil ceremony. This leaflet aims to give you the information you need about church weddings.
Do ask us if you have any further questions.
The legal background
For centuries the Church of England provided the only way to get married. When other churches and civil registrars were authorised to solemnise marriage the C of E was given special privileges.
We deal with the legal aspects, including the preliminary notices ('banns'), registration and the certificate. Our clergy thus act as marriage registrars in our church.
England is divided into church parishes (not the same as local government wards or postal areas). We are one of eight parishes in the CH3 Chester postal area; we only cover the parish of Waverton.
First item
Residence or membership: the entitlement to marry
You are entitled to be married in St Peter's if at least one of you lives in our parish. Being on the electoral role also qualifies you for being married here.
However, the introduction of the Church of England Marriage Measure (1st October 2008) has made it easier to get married in a church outside the parish you live in. The changes mean an engaged couple are welcome to be married in a parish if just one of the following applies:
First item
What is a Christian marriage?
Marriage is not just about law. God made us male and female. Marriage is his gift, providing companionship, support and the right context for sexual love and for bringing up children.
In church you make promises before God and witnesses, including lifelong faithfulness and love - not easy things to promise in a world where commitment is unpopular. But these promises reflect God's love. If we belong to him he will hold on to us in faithfulness for ever. And as you make your vows you are not alone: we will pray for you and be ready to help in any way we can.
First item
What is a church marriage?
The law sets three conditions for marriage in the Church of England:
You must both be aged 18 or over (16 or over with written parental consent).
You must not be close relatives (a detailed list of prohibitions is available).
At least one of you must either live within our parish boundary or be a signed-up member of the
church, or meet the criteria for the Marriage Measure.
First item
Can I marry after a divorce?
Church of England rules do not normally allow the marriage in church of a divorced person whose former partner is still alive, though this and other areas of marriage law are being reviewed in certain limited circumstances. The Rector will be willing to talk these issues through with you.
First item
What are 'banns'?
We have to read banns before we can perform a marriage. On three Sundays we read out in one of our services the legal notice that you intend to marry, giving people the right to object. This must be done in the church where you will marry and in the parish where each of you lives. A fee is payable to each church involved.
First item
When can we get married?
We can perform marriages on most Saturdays, with a maximum of 3 on any one day. Other days may be possible but depending on the availability of a minister, choir and bell-ringers. We cannot offer Sunday weddings, because the church is in use for public worship for much of the day.
First item
How much will it cost?
The basic fees are set each year by parliament, and each local church has to calculate its own extras. Our 2009 fees are:
Publication of Banns = £22.00
Certificate of Banns = £12.00 (Optional)
Marriage service = £260.00
Marriage Certificate = £3.50
Overheads (inc heating) = £58.50
Organist = £45.00
Bell Ringers = £96.00
Total = £485 or £497 (including option)
This makes a standard fee of £485 with a maximum of £497 if all extras are chosen (or £512 if 8 bells). Fee changes are notified each autumn and take effect the following January. The increase is normally in line with the prevailing inflation rate. We do not ask for a deposit. Fees must be paid by cheque at least a fortnight in advance.
First item
How should we prepare for the wedding?
We strongly encourage those marrying in the church to join us regularly in public worship. We are also committed to helping couples to develop the skills that will enable their relationship to last a lifetime. To that end we ask all our couples planning marriage to take part in some simple marriage preparation sessions.
The next main session is planned for Sunday 8th February 2009. During that time we will talk through the service, watch a video and have time for informal discussion, looking at relationship skills generally. As part of the session we will provide a light buffet tea which will finish in time for us to join in a special 6.30pm service in church, focused on marriage and relationships.
The whole afternoon is good fun and has been greatly appreciated by couples previously. Please book the relevant time off work so you are free to attend together.
In addition, some time the week before the wedding we organise a walk-through rehearsal in church.
First item
How do I make a booking?
1. Arrange with the Rector to meet to fill in the Banns/Church Application Form
The easiest way to do this is simply speak to him after one of the services on a Sunday which are at 9.00am, 10.15am, or 6.30pm. Or you can email him: jules [at] stpeterswaverton.org.uk
2. Check the requirements of banns, and arrange with other churches to have these read at the appropriate time. It is a legal requirement to show the banns certificate from every church of your residence or membership before the marriage service can be conducted.
3. If you have completed the preparation sessions, roughly a month before, finalise a rehearsal date and settle up the fees.
4. Turn up on the day, and enjoy the celebration of your love and marriage.