Weddings
Weddings
If you would like to get married at St John’s we would be pleased to talk with you about this possibility. There are some questions we must ask before we can say if this is possible. To begin your enquiry, it’s easiest if you phone Si Walker our Vicar, on 01946 63797. A wedding is 'booked' if you receive a confirmation in writing from us.
In the Church of England, there are rules about who can marry in a specific church. To establish this, Si will ask for information about the Bride and Groom. He has to establish a 'qualifying connection' to marry at St John's. These are legal requirements for marriage in our church and he will talk these through with you.
Please note, there are rules about Marriage after a divorce that mean we will not be able to fulfil every request to marry at St John's, even if you have a 'qualifying connection'. If either applicant has been divorced, we would kindly request that you read 'Marriage after divorce' and the detailed leaflet that follows, before making contact. This explains the process by which the Vicar explores whether he can conduct the marriage in these circumstances at St John's. Even if we are not able to conduct your marriage, we may be able to offer a 'wedding blessing', where the Bride and Groom attend church following a civil marriage and have a special service.
Marriage preparation
Wedding couples are prepared and arrangements made by meeting with the officiant (Vicar or other ordained person) a number of times. Sometimes the couple meet with another couple from the church family who have been married for a while to discuss marriage and often they read a book about marriage together. It depends on the couple's circumstances and wishes.
We work with you as much as possible to make the day how you would like it. For example, although the wording of the service in the Church of England is largely fixed, there are certain options in the service we are happy to discuss and you will need to reflect on together. We will go through the promises you make to one another and discuss aspects like hymns and Bible readings. Any questions you have, please ask. We're here to support you in this important step!