Weddings
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 |
Many congratulations on your forthcoming marriage! We are delighted that you would like to hold your wedding service at St Mary Abbots. We look forward very much to travelling with you as you prepare for both the service and your future life together, and we would be glad to help in any way possible. You will both be in the prayers of the church at this time.
“Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ.” (Pastoral Introduction, Common Worship, Marriage Service, 2005) The wedding service follows a traditional and time-honoured pattern, which is enshrined in law, but we would encourage you to select hymns, readings and music to make the celebration special and personal to you. |
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Whilst we would like to accommodate every couple who wishes to marry at St Mary Abbots we are restricted by the Church of England guidance which dictates who we can say yes to. On first point of contact we will ask you to establish your Qualifying Connection to our Parish - if you live within our parish boundaries (you can use the link HERE to find out), if you regularly worship with us and are on our Church Electoral Roll, or if you have some historical family connection to the church, such as you being baptised or confirmed here, or your parent or Grandparent being baptised, confirmed or married here.
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Once your connection to the church has been established a date will be arranged for you to come and meet the Clergy to plan your wedding - to which you will need to bring your passport and (if applicable) your residential status.
At this first meeting you will be asked to fill in a wedding application form and the clergy will share the wedding pack to help you plan your wedding - and if you are divorced a further form. This contains a list of readings, hymns, anthems as a starting point, and a list of prices for the service, music, bell ringers, and lastly a list of local flower arrangers and approved photographers / videographers.
We will also invite you to attend a wedding preparation dinner at our church hall with other couples who are marrying at the church.
To make an appointment to come and see one of the Clergy to discuss your wedding you can call the Vicarage Office on 0203 479 4731 or email HERE. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm.
The Church of England's website HERE can give you some further information about booking a church wedding.
At this first meeting you will be asked to fill in a wedding application form and the clergy will share the wedding pack to help you plan your wedding - and if you are divorced a further form. This contains a list of readings, hymns, anthems as a starting point, and a list of prices for the service, music, bell ringers, and lastly a list of local flower arrangers and approved photographers / videographers.
We will also invite you to attend a wedding preparation dinner at our church hall with other couples who are marrying at the church.
To make an appointment to come and see one of the Clergy to discuss your wedding you can call the Vicarage Office on 0203 479 4731 or email HERE. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm.
The Church of England's website HERE can give you some further information about booking a church wedding.
