What does it mean to get married in church?
Marriage is a joyful celebration of a couple’s love for one another. Although it is possible to get married in a whole variety of places today, many people still prefer to get married at church. This is not because it’s an impressive venue, and holds more than a registry office, but because couples not only want to declare their love and commitment to each other before their family and friends, but equally importantly, before God.

By being married in church, you can be certain of God’s involvement in your marriage, and God's blessing of it. Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding service, and for couples married in church, there is the additional joy of knowing without doubt that they are sharing in God’s love for them.

Who can get married at Holy Trinity Church?
In order to get married at any Church of England church, either the bride or the groom must have an address in the parish. So if you wish to be married at Holy Trinity and if you’re not sure if you do live in Holy Trinity parish, please just ask (Parish boundaries can be rather complicated!).  If you do not live in the Parish, you need to be on the church’s ‘electoral roll’ – a register of regular attenders. If you do not fulfill either of these criteria, you may need to apply for a special licence. These are legal requirements, so have to be met.

What are marriage banns?
When you get married at an Anglican Church, your ‘banns’ (your names, parish of residence and whether or not you’ve been married before) are published, or called, before the wedding on three Sundays. If one of you lives in a parish other than the one in which you’re getting married, your banns need to be called in that parish too.

What happens after I've completed the form?
 If you wish to be married at Holy Trinity, then once the form is filled, then you will need to see Fr Julian, or one his colleagues, on a few occasions before the wedding. The first is when the basic details of the wedding service are discussed, and various options and possibilities are considered. The second is when any loose ends about practical arrangements are tied up, and then there will be an opportunity to talk about your marriage and what it means. Finally, usually in the week before the wedding itself, there is a rehearsal in the church for all those involved.

Can I have my marriage 'blessed' at Holy Trinity?
If you have been married elsewhere and want to dedicate that marriage before God, and give thanks for it, then it is quite possible to have a service of celebration at Holy Trinity – or indeed if you want to celebrate a significant anniversary. Again, please contact the office for details.

How much does it cost?
The national Church has set fees for the marriage service. These are published in the church porch. In addition, Holy Trinity will charge additional fees for an organist and verger at weddings, and you can choose whether you have the bells rung, the choir singing, and whether you have a video recording made. All the details of these additional fees are available on request.