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 4.00 pm.

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

You may also qualify If you have ever lived within the Parish (for six months or more), were baptised, attended worship regularly or your parents live or worship here. Also if your parents or grandparents were married in one of the three churches then you are eligible too.

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 clergy 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 complete your booking form. 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. It would be helpful if by the time you meet with the minister 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!

How soon should I book my wedding?

The date and time of your wedding needs to be confirmed with the Team Co-ordinator before a booking is definite. You will then be asked to come and meet with Revd Ian Cooper who will complete your booking form with you.

Hymns and Music at Weddings

Your choice of hymns can be discussed in your meeting with the minister taking your service. In a separate leaflet you will find some suggestions. We have a team of organists in Marlborough, one of whom will be booked for your wedding. The organist will discuss your music requirements with you, however, the organist may increase his fee if extra time is needed to rehearse with, and accompany, a soloist or choir.

Bells

If you would like to have the bells rung, the bell ringers can be booked for your wedding. They will ring after the ceremony itself.

Service Sheets

We recommend that you produce an order of service with the words of the hymns and some of the prayers. (The clergy 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 (2010) are:

Wedding Service including Verger £326
Organist £85 (if required)
Bells £90 - St Mary's; £70 St George's & St John the Baptist (if required)

There is an additional fee of £50 if heating is required and and a further fee of £125 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 two months 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.