Weddings
A church is so much more than simply a venue for your wedding. Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in - the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.
A church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. The ceremony includes God and looks to him for help and guidance. God’s blessing is the main attraction for many couples, whatever their beliefs. You can make deep and personal vows, or promises, in a church. These vows, made in public, will help you to stay together and grow together. God and your church are there for you to help you keep your vows. The priest has a very particular role to play in your wedding. They can blend ancient tradition and modern experience to reflect your story. Your wedding can be made personal, memorable, meaningful and beautiful. For example, choosing your readings is one of the ways a wedding can be made really personal:
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
In the Diocese in Europe, in many countries it is not possible for clergy to perform the full ceremony of marriage, including the legal parts, as is done in England under Church of England provisions. In many European countries the church service must follow a civil ceremony. It is not unusual for some couples to be married locally or in the UK before coming to church for a service which includes the blessing of their marriage. Because of the diversity of our diocese there is no standard fee for such services. You will be told the fee when you make the booking for your wedding.
It is wise to make contact with your local church as soon as you decide to request a wedding or marriage blessing so that we can try to facilitate your request at the time you would like it. Although we stress that legal information and requirements will differ across countries in Europe, you may find some of the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of the Church of England Weddings website helpful as you begin to think about your wedding.