Planning your wedding
Today more than a quarter of all marriages in Great Britain take place before God in the traditional setting of an Anglican Church and over the last few years an increasing number of couples have chosen St. Michael’s as their venue for this special day. The following information is intended to offer some answers to the questions that often arise in connection with church weddings. It is intended for general guidance only; detailed information can be obtained by speaking to the Vicar – tel. 0117 9776132.
Right to a church wedding
In general, a British citizen over the age of 18 years has the right to be married in the Parish Church in the parish in which the person lives, unless one of the parties is divorced and has a surviving former spouse. The Church's parish boundary for Windmill Hill does not coincide exactly with the civic boundary however, in brief, most people who live between the Windmill Hill Railway Line in the North and Glyn Vale in the south, St Luke’s Road in the East and Parson Street in the West can get married at St. Michael’s, but you must check with the Vicar that your home falls within the Parish Boundary. If you live outside this area it is difficult but not impossible to obtain the necessary legal permission to marry at St. Michael’s unless either party is a regular worshipper in this church and is on its Electoral Roll.
Divorce and Remarriage
In the case where one or both parties has been divorced and has a surviving former spouse, the legal right to a wedding in a church does not apply. The decision whether to conduct such a wedding lies solely with the Vicar. Divorcees are remarried at St. Michael’s but not for people who have been married more than once before, or in cases where one party may have been instrumental in the break-up of the previous marriage of the other party. Before any agreement is given for the wedding of a person who has been divorced, the decree absolute has to be inspected.
Mixed/Interfaith Marriages
Persons of other Christian traditions, different faiths or of no faith at all are permitted to be married in an Anglican Church, however both parties must feel comfortable about making the following vows and with the nature of the marriage service.
I, N, take you, N,
to be my husband/wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
Arrangements for the Marriage
As far as the details of the service are concerned, we are interested in making your day as special as possible, and we will usually be as amenable and helpful as the Law and practical considerations allow. However, before deciding on readings, hymns and other music, floral decorations at the service, please consult the minister.
