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Marriage in the Church.

Being placed in the historic heart of the village, St. Edmund and St. Mary Parish Church is a beautiful place to married. Christian wedding services have been held here since the twelfth century. Those who live within the parish or who worship regularly at the church are entitled to be married here. If you live outside the parish, but would wish to be married in the church, you would need to attend services regularly for six months, before you could then be placed on the church electoral roll. We would also expect those who went through this process to wish to continue attendance after being married.

The Church of England has guidelines concerning the marriage of those who have previously been married and are now divorced. These recognise that sometimes there is an irreconcilable breakdown in relationships. They also recognise that the Christian faith is about new beginnings. It would be important that anyone applying to be considered for a marriage in church after divorce had all the issues from their first marriage amicably settled. The decision whether to marry any person who has been divorced is the responsibility of the member of the clergy concerned. The Church of England produces a helpful leaflet for enquiring couples who have been divorced. This can be accessed at: www.cofe.anglican.org/papers/mcad.pdf 

Services are held on Saturdays.

We use the Common Worship order of service, which can be seen at www.cofe.anglican.org/commonworship/marriage/marriage.html 

The normal pattern for a service contains music for the entrance of the bride, three hymns, a choir item during the signing of the register and music as the couple walk back down the isle. The church organist will be happy to talk through these items with you. The service also includes two reading, one a Bible reading and the second another suitable reading, to be checked with the clergy. The choir sing at the service, and the bells will be rung to announce the arrival of the bride and at the end of the service to greet the married couple. The provision of the flowers for the service is the responsibility of the couple, and they can be discussed with a member of the congregation who is responsible for church flowers and who can advise on the suitable placing of arrangements. We would expect some of the flowers to be left in the church after the service so they can be enjoyed by the Sunday congregations. Only an official photographer will be able to take photos during the service, and then only from a stationary position at the back of the church. The possible use of a video is will need to be discussed.

Once a year we run a Marriage Preparation Day jointly with our neighbouring benefice. There is no cost for this day, and couples are strongly encouraged to attend. The day runs from 10-4 and is held in Margaretting Village Hall.

 If you would like to talk about the possibility of being married in the church and the fees, please contact the Rector, Revd. Patrick Sherring at patrick.sherring@ingatestoneparishchurch.org.uk or on 01277 352562 to arrange a preliminary discussion.

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