Weddings

Wedding - Prayers

The Church of England update: Your Wedding and Covid-19 can be found here.

Firstly, if you are thinking of getting  married in one of our churches we would like to offer you our congratulations.

 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.

There are lots of resources for planning your wedding day on the internet and you may find this Church of England site useful: www.yourchurchwedding.org

We have produced short leaflets giving general guidance about weddings at our three churches. Please click on the links below for 2021: St Mary's, Marlborough, St John the Baptist, Minal and St George's, Preshute. 

Suggestions for music and readings can be found here

If you have any queries regarding your eligibility to marry in church, it is important that you contact one of the clergy to discuss your particular circumstances.


Frequently Asked Questions

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. You can check which parish you live in by entering your postcode in the website achurchnearyou

As we are a team of three churches if you live in one of the three parishes you may be married in any of the three churches. 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 11.00am and 4.00pm.

You may also 'qualify' to be married 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 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 Administrator before a booking is definite. You will then be asked to come and meet with one of the clergy who will complete your booking form with you.

What hymns and music can I choose? 
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 the area, 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. 

Can I have the bells rung?
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. 

What about a service sheet?
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 Administrator who will be able to discuss cost and production of the service sheet with you.

Can you help with 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.

What are the church fees?
The current fees 2021:

Publication of banns £31
Wedding Service  £464
Organist £105 (if required)
Bells £130 at St Mary's;  £100 at St George's & St John the Baptist (if required)
Verger £40

Total £740 (or £770 at St Mary’s) 

Are there additional fees?
£30 heating in October - March (available other times if required).

£130 video recording (A wedding video licence may also be required please discuss with the minister taking your wedding as soon as possible).

You will receive an email confirming your wedding booking, we do not ask for a deposit.
An invoice is sent out, usually by email, two months before your wedding date and fees are payable in full one month before your wedding.

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