Weddings

Getting married is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your lives. As a church, we are delighted you want to get married here at St Mary’s Eaton Socon, and we want to help you make the most of your special day.

We are also here to help you prepare for your married life together. By getting married in church, you are asking for God’s blessing on your life together – and this is the best start you can have.

How do we get married at St Mary’s?

The first thing to do is to visit St Mary’s on a Sunday morning at 10.30am, so you can get a feel for the church and decide if this is the place you would like to celebrate your special day.

After the service, introduce yourselves to one of the clergy who will then lead you through the booking process.

In brief this consists of:

• Completing an application form

• Discussing dates and times with the Vicar

• Paying a non-refundable deposit of £75

After this, you will receive a letter confirming your booking and receipt of your deposit – now you can organise the rest of your wedding!

When do we have to book?

It is best to book the church as soon as you have decided to get married to ensure the church is available on your preferred date.

When are weddings held at St Mary’s?

Our current practice is to hold weddings on Saturdays. Requests for other times are subject to the availability of the Church and Clergy.

Will there be other weddings on our day?

Yes – they may be other weddings on your day, but our practice is to limit any Saturday to three weddings. This helps to ensure that your special day is unrushed and as enjoyable as possible.

Does it matter where we live?

One or both of you need to live in the Parish. If neither of you do, it may still be possible to get married here if you regularly worship with us, or if you have connections with the Parish.

Such connections include: your parents live in the Parish; you have lived in the Parish for more than 6 months at some stage in your life etc.

Banns of Marriage

Whichever Parish you live in, you will need your Banns read, both there and here (a legal requirement). There is a statutory charge for this.

How much does it cost?

This depends on whether you just want the service itself or whether you would like optional extras (e.g. Organ, Music Group, Choir, Bells, Video, Flowers). Contact the Church Office for further information.

If I’m divorced, can I still get married in the church?

In some circumstances, it is possible for divorced people to marry in church. Please discuss this with the Vicar.

Getting the best out of your marriage

All couples getting married at St Mary’s are required to attend the Marriage Preparation Course. This is held on three Sunday afternoons in the Spring term before your wedding.

2011 Course Dates

January 16, 30; February 13
Do book these dates now!

This is to help you get the maximum out of your marriage and give you the opportunity to meet with other couples getting married in the same year.

Planning the service

At the end of the Marriage Preparation course, you will receive a Marriage Service Pack that will help you start thinking about your service.

Approximately 3-4 months before your wedding, you will meet with the minister conducting your wedding.

At this meeting, you will confirm your choice of music; the various options available (e.g. Organ, Music Group, Choir, Bells, Video, Flowers etc); and the order of service.

If you are planning to produce a printed order of service, we will help to check it for you to make sure everything is right, and copyrights are noted.

Wedding Rehearsal

This is usually held on the Thursday evening before your wedding in the Church. Do make sure that as many of the main wedding party as possible can make it.

Any other questions…

If you have any other questions at any stage, please contact us

Alternatively, come along to a 10.30am Sunday service, after which we would be delighted to answer your questions.