Weddings
Are you thinking about being married in St Peter’s? We are delighted and hope to do everything we can to help make your wedding day special. We have set out some thoughts and considerations below to help you start planning your special day. Once you have looked through them, please get in contact by completing the enquiry form link here. Please remember to provide contact details.
After receiving your enquiry, a member of our team will be in touch to begin to talk through plans for your special day.
Why get married 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 and that his resources and strength are available to help you. Including God in your marriage doesn’t mean you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but it means you can look to God for help and guidance, and that his love will sustain you. You will also have the support and encouragement of the Christian Church family.
St Peter’s is a beautiful church, and many people love having a service that includes traditional elements with personal touches, and that is exactly what we are able to offer you. We are not just offering a venue for your wedding day, but a community you are welcome into and can be part of during your wedding preparation and throughout your married life.
What do Christians believe about marriage?
The Bible says that “God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them” and this is central to our understanding of marriage. We have a God who isn’t just loving, but is love itself. God loves us and wants us to experience love in our relationships with one another. In our marriages, we seek to be a sign of the great love God has for the world as we commit to loving one another on a faithful journey through life’s ups and downs. In marriage, a couple make this public commitment to one another through promises and vows, and receives God’s blessing, so they know that the love they have for one another is supported by God.
What does a wedding at St Peter’s look like?
We love weddings at St Peter’s, and we love meeting with couples and doing what we can to make their vision a reality. That means we offer big weddings (our building can hold around 600 people!) or small weddings (sometimes held in one of our smaller spaces, such as our chapel). Some people want weddings that include bringing in florists to decorate the church and string quartets to play for guests; others want to keep it very simple, with no music and only a few guests. All options are available, and we love making your day special and personal. If you have something specific in mind, just ask, and we would love to help.
Can I get married at St Peter’s?
Yes! The Church of England has certain requirements for somebody to get married in church, and these are called qualifying connections, and so you need to meet one of the following:
– You have attended the church regularly for at least 6 months
– You have been baptised in the church, or this was the church you were confirmed in
– You have lived in the parish for more than 6 months
– One of your parents or grandparents has been married here
There are other legal requirements to be aware of, including that you must be over the age of 18 to be married in church, and at present, the Church of England is unable to perform same sex marriages.
Can I have a blessing or renewal of vows?
Yes! Some couples decide to have a civil wedding ceremony (for example, on holiday or at a hotel or register office) and feel they would like to have a blessing service afterwards. Some people have been married for a long time and would like to renew their vows or have a new ring blessed; this is also possible at church. As these are not legal ceremonies, you do not need to have a qualifying connection for either of these services. If you would like a marriage blessing service or renewal of vows, please contact the parish office to find out more.