Christian teaching is that marriage is the life-long union of a man and woman which exists (where possible) to bring children into the world. This must be understood and accepted by those seeking to be married in our Church.
At least one of the parties must be validly baptized (see BAPTISMS).
If either party is divorced with a former spouse still living, a church wedding is impossible without the consent of the Bishop. Please bear in mind that such consent, if given, may take some considerable time to obtain. The Parish Priest would be happy to discuss this requirement with you.
The canons (laws) of the Church require those entering into marriage to receive some form of preparation for marriage, regardless of age or history. This will be discussed with you when arrangements are made for the date and venue of your wedding.
Each couple must meet with the Parish Priest at least three times. The first meeting must be at the earliest opportunity so that the couple becomes known to the Parish Priest, procedures are clearly understood, and the wedding date is confirmed.
The second meeting will confirm the details of the wedding service, music, readings, wedding party and rehearsal. The third meeting is an opportunity to read through the wedding service in detail and discuss the Christian understanding of marriage with the Parish Priest. Additional meetings may be required at the Parish Priest’s discretion.
Please note that our Church does not perform weddings during Lent or on Sundays. Because a wedding is a Sacrament of the Church as well as being an act of public witness to the Christian understanding of marriage, it should be conducted in a place where Christians normally meet for worship, namely in a church building. For this reason we do not conduct weddings in gardens or private facilities. The Pro-Cathedral of St Ninian and St Chad in Susan Street, Maylands, is available for weddings and is our preferred venue. However, the Parish Priest is happy to conduct the service in another church if you are able to arrange for your wedding to be conducted there.
If the wedding is to take place at St Ninian and St Chad’s, no fee is payable, but a donation would be appreciated to cover expenses such as cleaning, electricity consumption, etc.
Though the Parish Priest does not charge a fee, a donation to the parish would be appreciated. This should be discussed with the Parish Priest.
Should you require the services of an organist, we may be able to assist you, but please note that the fees of the organist are payable by you.
Please note that all agreed monies should be paid by the rehearsal date, otherwise the marriage may not take place.
The readings to be used during the service must be discussed, and agreed, with the Parish Priest. It is expected that the majority will be from Scripture. Any secular reading must first be discussed with the Parish Priest as he has to be confident that it does not contradict the Christian understanding of the marriage relationship.
Music may be live or on a CD, but it must be appropriate for the occasion.
Marriage rites authorised by the Church reflect the Christian view of marriage. Consequently, the writing of personal marriage vows is not permitted.
For further information contact the Parish Priest who will be happy to provide you will full details of the Church’s requirements.
