Weddings
It is really great that you are considering starting your married life together with a wedding in church, from your first contact with us at Holy Cross church to your first anniversary and beyond, we’re here for you at every step.
Together we can follow the seven steps to give you a truly heavenly wedding.
1. Find a church
We take it by the fact that you are looking at this page that you are considering having your wedding service at Holy Cross Church. If you want to marry in a different church (why would you want to?) but we know that you might like to marry in a church other than Bilbrook because it has special significance for you through family or other connections. You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show:-
That one of you:
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- was baptised in the parish concerned or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
- was married in the parish
So that is quite simple then. And did you know that if you move house, you’re immediately connected to the church there? That means you can marry in the church of your new parish.
But why would you consider anywhere other than Bilbrook for your special day?
2. Call the Vicar
So you have chosen to get married at Holy Cross church, let us know your good news as soon as you can so that we can fix a time to meet together to discuss what happens next.
3. Space to think
Before your wedding, the Priest may invite you to an event to help prepare you for married life together. It’s a no-obligation invitation, but one that many couples appreciate. It provides time and space to think about the vows and the difference they will make as you start your life together.
4. Banns
Banns will be announced in church for a period of three consecutive weeks letting people know of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place. At these services, everyone at Holy Cross church will also be praying for you. It can be very special and moving, so come along if you can.
5. Rehearsal
Near your wedding day, perhaps the week before, you will usually have the opportunity to rehearse the ceremony with those who are involved, and make any last minute changes.
6. The Big Day
The Priest will do all they can to make the day a personal, meaningful and spiritual experience for you and your guests.
7. First Anniversary and beyond
Holy Cross church will always be there for you throughout your marriage if you need us and we would be delighted to mark your first anniversary by praying for you both. All you have to do is ask.
The decision to conduct a marriage is always at the discretion of the Incumbent although Holy Cross church traditionally accepts couples where one or more partner has had their previous marriage dissolved as long as we are satisfied that the relationship was not the cause of the failure of the previous marriage. Where there has been dissolution of a previous marriage, we ascertain that the couple are open with us and each other about the causes and that they have thought deeply about these. We also try to ensure that their responsibilities to their previous spouse and any children will continue to be effectively discharged.
Eligibility for marriage in the parish is ascertained at the point of initial booking. Where there is any doubt about eligibility for marriage in terms of UK citizenship, a couple may be referred to the Rural Dean.
If you would like to enquire about having your wedding at Holy Cross, please use our Contact Form.