Many couples choose to marry in church to ask God’s blessing on their marriage, as well as to take advantage of beautiful church buildings, and to share in the centuries of history in the church, with all the many couples who have been married there throughout the years.
As long as it’s legal, you’re welcome to marry in the Church of England whatever your beliefs, whether or not you are christened and regardless of whether you go to church or not. It’s your church, and we welcome you. If you would like to be married in St Michael’s Church the clergy will ask what connections you have to the Parish or, if you don’t have any links to us, then we can discuss how you can go onto our electoral roll. Read more about the legal aspects of getting married in church.
With the help of the Vicar, you can make choices about your hymns and music, readings and what sort of prayers you would like. You also have choices about who does the readings and prayers, which can involve your family and friends.
It’s up to you what you wear and whether you have one ring or two. If the church and the Vicar are free, you can marry on any day of the week. And with the Vicar’s help, you can make choices about what type of words are used in the service.
The Church of England has a range of wedding services:
- Marriage Services – the authorised services for marrying couples
- Service of Prayer and Dedication (sometimes called a ‘blessing’) – a simple service, designed for couples who have had a civil marriage ceremony in the UK or abroad and want to have a church service afterwards.
- Services of Thanksgiving for Marriage – this is a service for those who wish to renew their marriage vows. It might be held in church or in another location, such as the home.
For more information about church weddings, please see the website Your Church Wedding.
To talk about marrying in St Michael’s Church, please contact the Vicar via our Office – tel. 01665 602797 (staffed part time only, so please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible) or email stmichaelandstpaul@btconnect.com or use the form on our Contact Us page.
If you would like to arrange for the church bells to be rung to celebrate a wedding please contact us as above or speak to our Churchwardens (see our About Us page).
