Space to think

Before your wedding, we will invite you to the wedding preparation meetings. These provide time and space to think about your vows and the difference they will make to you and your married life together.

Banns

Banns are announcements in the church of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place. Everyone at the church will be praying for you and it cab be very special and moving, so come along if you can.

Rehearsal

Closer to your wedding day, you will be invited to a wedding rehearsal. This is a chance to run through the service and discuss the logistics of your big day!

The Big Day

Your minister will do all that they can to make the day a personal, meaningful and spiritual experience for you and your guests.

First Anniversary and beyond

We will always be there for you throughout your marriage if you need it. Even if we are not the place where you married, we would be delighted to mark your first anniversary by praying for you both. All you have to do is ask.

Frequently asked questions…

Who can get married at St Peter and St Paul?

You’re welcome to marry in St Peter and St Paul, whether or not you are christened, and regardless of whether you attend church. It’s your church, and we welcome you!

We can marry you if either of you can show just one of the following seven connections with the parish:

That ONE of you:

• was baptised in the parish or
• was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
• has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
• has at any time regularly attended 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 attended normal church services in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or

That ONE OF YOUR GRANDPARENTS:

• was married in the parish

Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections, we want to help you explore whether it is still possible for you to marry in your special church. Talk to the Minister well in advance to discuss the options open to you.

Guidance for divorcees

There are special guidelines on marriage in the church if you are divorced. There may well be a way forward, but you will need to talk to your Minister about your situation to explore the possibilities.

Is it expensive to have a baptism service?

A baptism service is absolutely free! The most costly element is the heavy commitment and promises made at the service, either by the individual being baptised, or on their behalf if they are infants.

Why choose Godparents and Sponsors?

Godparents and Sponsors are adults who will support the person being baptised. It is more common for an infant to have Godparents and for an adult to have a Sponsor.

Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptised as parents. Godparents promise to pray and support the child, and to help bring them up in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role.

For a child, you should choose at least three Godparents: two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex. Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you choose people who will take an interest in your child’s spiritual welfare, and who will pray for you and your child. They must be baptised.

Sponsors are adults who promise to help and support an adult being baptised in their life as a Christian. It is a responsible and demanding role. The Sponsor should be committed to praying for the individual and supporting them as new members of the Christ’s family. The Sponsor must be baptised.