Banns

You must have your banns read out in church during the 3 months before the wedding. This is usually done over 3 consecutive Sundays. Banns are an announcement of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.

Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives, as well as at the church in which you are to be married if that is another parish. You will need to collect a Banns Certificate from them before your wedding day.

When your banns are announced this is what will be said:

“I publish the banns of marriage between John Smith, bachelor of the parish of St Martin’s, Low Marple, and on the electoral role of this parish, and Jane Brown, spinster of this parish. This is for the first time of asking. If any of you know any reason in law why these persons may not marry each other you are to declare it.”

To date no one has!





Age

If you are under the age of eighteen, you must have your parents' consent to marry.





If one of you is divorced

The Church of England teaches that marriage is for life. It also recognises that, sadly, some marriages do fail and, if this should happen, it seeks to be available for all involved. The Church accepts that, in exceptional circumstances, a divorced personal may marry again in church during the lifetime of a former spouse.

You will need to discuss your personal situation with the Revd Mary Judson. She will want to talk to you frankly about the past, your hopes for the future and your understanding of marriage.

If it is not possible for your wedding to take place in church, Revd Mary will consider other alternatives with you, such as a Service of Blessing after a civil ceremony.

A leaflet for enquirers that includes an explanatory statement and an application form is also available by clicking here

Those wanting access to futher material on this matter can read the Bishop of Winchester's speech to Synod on 9 July 2002 available at www.win.diocese.org.uk. Various other material can be ordered from:

Signing of the Register

After you have exchanged your vows, the bride, groom and two witnesses (usually the bestman & chief bridesmaid) must sign the register. Tis is a legal requirement and Revd Mary will give you a copy of the marriage certificate.