Getting married
Congratulations! Getting married in Stretton Parish
Getting married in church is a very special time for all involved.
Making your vows in front of your family and friends, with years of history echoing around you, and in the presence of God adds a solemnity to the occasion, making it both memorable and meaningful.
By working together we ensure that your marriage service is unique to you, reflecting your story.
Do you have a connection?
You are eligible to be married in one of our churches if you have a connection. This means that you must show that one of you:
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or
- was baptised (christened) in the parish or
was prepared for confirmation in the parish or - has at any time regularly attended the church for a period of at least six months.
Or, that one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of six months or
- as regularly attended the church for a period of at least six months.
Or, that one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish.
But if you don’t have an existing connection, you could create one simply by attending church services in one of the churches at least once a month for six consecutive months. You’ll also need to leave enough time after your attendance for the banns to be ready before your wedding – another two months should be enough.
Alternatively you could apply for a Common Licence, which is a Bishop’s permission for a marriage to take place in a particular church, by one or both of you living in the Benefice for at least 15 days immediately preceding the date when the application for the Common Licence is made. A Common Licence is valid for a three month period.
There are added things to consider if:
- One or both of you is a national from outside the United Kingdom
- If one or both of you has been through a divorce
A church wedding may well be possible, but if either of these two circumstances apply, you will need to discuss things further with the Rector.
Although same-sex marriage legislation has changed, it remains the case that it is not legally possible for same-sex couples to marry in the Church of England.
What's next?
You can find out more about getting married in church from the Church of England Weddings website. If you’re interested in getting married in Stretton Parish, please contact the Parish Centre to arrange an initial chat on 01694 724224.
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now
with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
