Congratulations on your engagement!
Can we get married at St Peter's?
- You must over eighteen years of age.
- You must establish a ‘qualifying connection’ with St Peter in Eastgate or St Peter in Carlton church (see below).
- It is not currently possible for same-sex couples to marry in the Church of England, and St Peter’s is not able to offer services using ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’.
- There are special guidelines on marriage in the Church of England if you are divorced. There may well be a way forward, but you will need to talk the vicar about your situation to explore the possibilities for you.
What is a 'qualifying connection'
You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show that:
- one of you, or one of your parents, has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months, or
- one of you, or one of your parents, has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months, or
- one of you was baptised (christened) in the parish concerned, or
- one of you is confirmed and your confirmation in the parish concerned, or
- one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish.
To see the geographical extent of the parishes of St Peter in Eastgate and St Peter in Carlton parishes visit A Church Near You.
What are 'marriage banns'?
- You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is usually done over three consecutive Sundays but does not have to be.
- If one or both you live outside of the parish, banns will need to be read in the local parish church(es) as well as at St Peter’s. Similarly, if you live in the parish of St Peter in Eastgate or St Peter in Carlton, and you are getting married in another Church of England church, we will need to read your banns.
If one or both of you is a national of a country which is outside the European Economic Area, you will require a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate to marry, rather than have banns read.
Which dates and times are available?
Most weddings take place on Saturdays in the Spring and Summer Months, although they can be on any day and at any time of the year. We prefer not to take weddings on Sundays, but this may be possible in special circumstances. Weddings must take place between 8am and 6pm.
The earlier you make your arrangements, the more likely it is that a particular date will be available. We generally require payment of a small deposit (£50) to secure the date, and advise that you do not book reception venues without first checking the availability of the church. This is refundable if plans change.
What will it cost?
The 2024 fees for a Church of England Marriage service are £544.00 (marriage service), plus £37.00 (banns), plus £34.00 (verger).
The fees for the publication of banns for a service elsewhere are £37.00 (banns), plus £19 (certificate).
There are additional optional charges for heating in winter, or providing an organist.