Church Weddings in Marlborough

This page is designed to answer the questions most frequently asked by couples who would like to get married at one of the three churches within the Marlborough Team. In a short leaflet only general guidance can be given so when you are ready to book your wedding, it is important that you contact one of the clergy to discuss your particular circumstances.

A Wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as great joy. Marriage continues to enrich society and strengthen community. On their wedding day the bride and groom face each other, make their promises and receive God’s blessing for their new life together. Weddings are an important part of the life of the Marlborough churches and one of the varied ways in which we try to serve God and the community.

Can I get married in church?

To be married in one of the three churches it is necessary that either bride or bridegroom live within the Parish boundaries of Marlborough, Minal or Preshute. The Parish of Preshute includes the west side of Marlborough, Manton, Manton Hollow, Barton Park, Clench Common and houses in-between. The three churches are open to the public seven days a week, so please feel free to visit them or attend a service, before deciding on a particular church. Weddings are usually held on a Saturday between the hours of 11.00 am and 5.00 pm. We cannot guarantee you exclusive use of the church for the day but weddings are booked at least two hours apart.

What if I don’t live in one of the Parishes?

If one or both parents do, that may qualify you as well. If you have attended worship regularly at one of the churches for six months or more, your name can be added to our electoral roll (in effect a register of church members).

What if one or both of us have been divorced?

If one or both of you have been married before, it may still be possible to get married in church, as long as particular conditions have been met. These need to be discussed with the priest before you book your wedding. An alternative to a full wedding service is a Wedding Blessing or Service of Prayer and Dedication (also popular after a civil ceremony).

What are Banns?

Your intention to marry has to be formally announced in the church where you wish to be married. The three Sunday mornings for the calling of these Banns will be arranged with you when you meet the priest who is taking your wedding. We would hope that you would be present on at least two of the three occasions when your banns are read out in church. If one or both of you live in another Parish, Banns must be called in the Parish church there too. If would be helpful if by the time you met with the priest taking your service, you have found out which is your Anglican (Church of England) Parish Church. Banns give people the opportunity to point out any legal reasons why the wedding cannot take place. Thankfully such objections are very rare! The fee for publishing the Banns of marriage at our churches is currently £30.

How soon should I book my wedding?

As soon as possible! The date and time of your wedding need to be confirmed in writing before a booking is definite. You will then be asked to come and meet with the priest taking your wedding who will fill in a Banns form with you.

Hymns and Music at Weddings

In making your choice it is important to bear in mind that you will be married within the context of a meaningful act of worship in church. When choosing hymns it is important to read the words carefully and not to be guided only by the tune – however appealing it may be. Your choice of hymns can be discussed in your meeting with the priest taking your service. We have a team of organists in Marlborough, one of whom can be booked for your wedding.

Service Sheets

We recommend that you produce an order of service with the words of the hymns and some of the prayers. ( The priest taking your wedding will advise on content). You may either produce this yourself, or ask the Team Co-ordinator, (tel. 01672 512357) who is able to produce service sheets in the Team Office.

Flowers

If there is another wedding on the same day as yours, we will (with your permission) give you each other’s telephone numbers so that you can liaise on colours and cost. Within a month of the date of the wedding you should contact the church flower co-ordinator to arrange a convenient time for your arrangers to decorate the church.

Fees

The current fees (2008) are:

Wedding Service £280
Organist £ 75 (if required)
Bells £ 90 (if required)

There is an additional fee of £50 if heating is required and and a further small fee if a video recording is made. The organist may increase his fee if time is needed to rehearse with, and accompany, a soloist. An invoice is sent out a month before the wedding and fees are payable by the date of the wedding rehearsal. In any event fees must be paid before the wedding itself.

For further information or to answer any queries, please contact one of the clergy team.