Weddings
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Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship. God’s blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and 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. It is based on a solemn public and life-long covenant between two people who love one another and who have made a very special decision about their future together. It is celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses. A couple thinking about marriage in Church should contact the Parish Priest in the first instance. A meeting will be arranged to talk about their wedding day plans; a Banns Form will need to be filled in, providing information to be recorded in the Marriage Registers and on the Marriage Certificate. A couple’s intention of getting married will be read publicly in Church, on three preceding Sundays – called ‘Reading the Banns’ – to ascertain if there is any reason to prevent the marriage. If all goes well, further meetings will be arranged to explore a couple’s understanding of the Marriage Service, married life with all its ups and downs and, of course, the Christian context in which marriage is to be celebrated.
You may find our Guide to Weddings leaflet of assistance as you begin thinking about getting married in the parish. Also our present fees sheet. |
A wedding is one of life’s great moments; a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. In his Gospel, St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings by turning water into wine.