WEDDINGS
S. Anne’s is a beautiful medieval church in a wonderful setting. It’s isn’t surprising that we receive a great many requests for marriage services. It is hoped that the following guidelines will help couples planning their wedding.
Those who wish to be married in church come on the understanding that they are undertaking Christian marriage. This is a distinctive understanding in which God is seen as an ever-present partner in the relationship—that which binds the couple together. This leads to a relationship which is life-giving, and life-long.
The right to be married at S. Anne’s is restricted to the following:
· Those who live within the ecclesiastical parish of Woodplumpton.
· Those who live outside the parish but whose names are entered on the electoral roll of the parish. This is a list, held by the church and renewed every six years, of those who worship regularly at S. Anne’s. Those wishing to be considered for membership of the electoral roll should have been worshipping for at least six months prior to application.
In addition, the provisions of the Marriage Measure 2008 permits couples to marry where one or both partners has a qualifying connection with the church in question. Suitable qualifying connections are:
- that person was baptised in that parish (unless the baptism took place in a combined rite which included baptism and confirmation) or is a person whose confirmation has been entered in the register book of confirmation for any church or chapel in that parish;
- that person has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in that parish for a period of not less than six months;
- that person has at any time habitually attended public worship in that parish for a period of not less than six months;
- a parent of that person has during the lifetime of that person had his or her usual place of residence in that parish for a period of not less than six months or habitually attended public worship in that parish for that period; or
- a parent or grandparent of that person has been married in that parish.
For further details please attend the Parish Surgery on the First Wednesday of the month between 6-7pm in the Parish Room at the back of church.
· Occasionally couples seek marriage where one or both parties have a former married partner still living. Marriage in these cases can only be considered under exceptional circumstances. Please speak to Fr. Damian as soon as possible for full details.
· At least one partner should be baptised .
Preparing to be married is a lengthy and sometimes complex business! Wedding preparations involve
· Regular Worship
· Meetings with Fr. Damian or the officiating priest
· Planning of the Order of Service
· Planning of Music, Flowers, and other aspects of the service.
All this will be dealt with during Wedding Preparations.
photography at all is permitted during the service. Photography is permitted in the vestry during the signing of registers, and video cameras may relocate for this also. Moving around during the service is strictly prohibited. It is the responsibility of the couple to ensure that those taking pictures and recording the service are made aware of this.
Music and Flowers
Here at S. Anne’s we are fortunate to have an extremely talented and creative flower team who will be happy to discuss your requirements. We will also be happy to recommend an organist; the church choir and a soloist are also available. Costs for these—and for the wedding as a whole—are set both by the Church Commissioners and the Parochial Church Council every year, and are available on request.