FAQs - Getting Married in the Church of England
By Kate
The Service
Q Have I any say in the service?
A There are currently three authorised Church of England Services to choose from: the Book of Common Prayer service(1662), the 1966 Solemnization of Matrimony (Alternative Services, Series 1) which was until recently the most commonly used one and thirdly a new Marriage Service from Common Worship (2000) is being introduced into the Church of England.
Common Worship has more choices in the format of services. In addition on pages 156-168 of the Common Worship Pastoral Services Book (not the black main book) there are 27 additional prayers, grouped under themes like "sharing of love, home, marriage as a sign to the world" etc.
The minister will normally discuss which one of the service formats you would like. He will also usually discuss with you what hymns and music you would like to make your day special, but he does have the final say on both this and on the decorations you can have in the church.
Q Do I have to promise to obey in my wedding vows?
A No that is optional.
Q Can we record or video the wedding?
A If you want to take photographs and tape or video recordings you will need the permission of the minister. You will require copyright permission for the tape or video recordings. Check with the minister as early as possible.
Q Can I choose who takes the service?
A Normally this will be the ordained minister on duty on the particular date you are to be married. If you have a friend who is an ordained minister of the Church of England, you can ask the permission of the parish priest for that person to take the service.
Q My father is dead, who can give me away?
A Any member of the family, including your mother, or a family friend can give you away. This is also true if your father were still alive, but not available for some other reason.
Q Can I have a quiet wedding, just the two of us?
A The minimum legal requirement is for the minister and two witnesses.
Q What are the "banns"?
A These are a public announcement of your desire to marry and involve an invitation to anyone to declare any just cause or impediment to (reason against) the marriage. The banns will be read out in the parish church/es of the bride and groom, on three Sundays prior to the date of the wedding, and have effect for three months. You normally need to give the minister 7 days notice and there is a fee for calling them and for the certificate proving to the minister marrying you that they have been called in the other church. It is always a good idea to go along on at least one occasion when they are being called, but this is not essential.
Q What fees do I have to pay to get married in church?
A You will be expected to pay statutory fees fixed and approved by Parliament. These are reviewed regularly and include a fee for Publication of Banns, the Marriage Service and issuing of a Marriage Certificate. In addition you will be charged for extras and these fees may vary from parish to parish, being agreed between the minister and the Parochial Church Council in line with diocesan guidelines. Extras include charges for items such as the organist, bell ringing, heating, use of furnishings, flowers, photographs, tape recordings, videos etc. Some parishes charge a flat rate whatever extras you have, but you should check arrangements when you book the wedding.
