WEDDINGS & BLESSINGS

Weddings & Blessings

A marriage ceremony is a public declaration of your love and commitment to each other. In choosing to be married in church, you are – in effect – inviting God to the ceremony!

God cares about you individually and as a couple and wants to be a part of your relationship. In the service, you make vows in the presence of your family and friends – and of course, God – to commit to each other ‘till death us do part’; we also ask God’s blessing on you as a couple and pray for you. The church celebrates your love and commitment and wants to support you in your life together.

Couples will be required to attend a Wedding Preparation meeting (on a Saturday morning), usually at the beginning of the year in which you are getting married, at which you will also meet other couples who are getting married soon. 

If you would like to be married in the parish of Bishop’s Cleeve, please contact the Church Office email:  weddings@stmichaelsbishopscleeve.co.uk to discuss dates/times.

There are also other services to fit different circumstances, including a Service of Prayer and Dedication (sometimes called a ‘blessing’) for couples who have had a civil marriage ceremony in the UK or abroad and want to have a church service afterwards, or a Thanksgiving for Marriage for those who wish to renew their marriage vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we still get married in Bishop's Cleeve if we don't live in the parish?
It is possible to 'qualify' to marry here if you have certain other connections with the parish.

One of us is divorced, can we still marry in church?
The Church of England teaches that marriage is a life-long commitment; but we recognise that, sadly, some marriages do fail. A divorced person may re-marry in church under certain circumstances.

Do we have to pay to marry in church?
Although most Church of England services are available with no charge, fees are payable for a wedding service, Banns of Marriage, and a marriage certificate. The parish also sets its own fees for other items such as organist, verger, flowers and bell-ringers. 

The Church of England's Your Church Wedding website provides lots of useful information or contact weddings@stmichaelsbishopscleeve.co.uk to discuss your plans with us.
 
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