Marriage in Church
A marriage service, wherever it is held, is a public declaration of love and commitment to your partner. If you choose to get married in church there is an added dimension, the assurance that God cares about your relationship. Including God in your marriage doesn’t mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that his love will sustain you.
The Abbey offers a Marriage Preparation Day annually. This helps couples prepare for the very important first few months of marriage. It provides an opportunity for meeting other couples who are being married here during this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be married in the Abbey?
If either you or your partner is resident in the Abbey parish you are entitled to be married in the Abbey. If you do not meet this residency requirement it may still be possible to be married in the Abbey. Please call the Office for advice or click on this link www.yourchurchwedding.org.
How do I book the Abbey?
As soon as you have decided you would like to be married in the Abbey get in touch with the Abbey Office. Staff there will be able to discuss with you dates and the availability of the choir, organist, bell-ringers and whether you want extra flowers for your wedding.
How much will it cost?
There are legal fees for a marriage which cover the publication of the banns, banns certificate (if necessary), the marriage service and a certificate of marriage. The fees are fixed centrally and revised annually and the office staff can advise you of the current fees.
What if one or both of us is divorced?
The Church of England teaches that marriage is for life but it recognizes that sometimes marriages do fail. The Abbey accepts that, in certain circumstances, a divorced person may marry again in church during the lifetime of a former spouse. Please speak to the Vicar, the Revd Canon Paul Williams, for further information.
If you wish to be married in the Abbey or have any further questions about arranging a wedding here please contact the Abbey Office on 01684 850959 where a member of staff will be pleased to deal with your query.
