The Anglican Church is glad to celebrate weddings.
A wedding is one of life´s great moments, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion, and gave there a sign of new beginnings.
Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship - God´s blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and bad. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based on a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, made and celebrated in the presence of God and before a priest and congregation.Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about wedding...
What do we need to do before a Marriage in the Church? The Church requires that there be some preparation before marriage. This aims to prepare you both for the relationship of marriage and for your wedding service. The preparation enables the clergy to get to know the couple well and together to prepare a really great wedding service. Can we choose our own marriage service? The Church has a number of marriage forms of service for you to choose from and the priest will help you to plan the service. Can we have an Anglican wedding away from a church? Whilst weddings are often taken in a Church, clergy are permitted to conduct them at any location. Can we have a civil union in the church? This Church does not permit its clergy to register as civil union celebrants. Can a civil marriage celebrant conduct a marriage in an Anglican Church? No. We consider that the church is a place of Christian worship and all that happens there should reflect the ethos of the Anglican Church. However, arrangements can be made to share the leadership of a marriage service. Do you need to be an Anglican to be married in the church? No, however, the church requires that at least one of the parties to the marriage is baptised or intending to be baptised. This recognises the spiritual and faith aspect of Christian Marriage. This page attempts to give answers to commonly asked questions. However, each situation is unique and we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your marriage as you weigh up the various alternatives you have, without any obligation. Our wish is that you have the perfect day!