We are very lucky to have three beautiful churches in our United Benefice and last year we were lucky to celebrate weddings in each church.
Sadly, many people think they cannot get married in church for various reasons. The reality is people are very welcome to get married in our churches. They are also very welcome to have their wedding blessed if they are getting married abroad.
Please pass on the message “ALL are very welcome to get married in our three churches.” If anyone wishes to talk about getting married I am very happy to speak to them.
Revd Stephen Monk
A wedding marks the start of a new chapter in your life, the start of a life shared together.
If you are considering a church wedding and have a connection with the parish (see below) then come along to St. Helen’s and see what we have to offer you and to ask all the questions you may have.
We want your wedding day to be special and meaningful for both of you.
We also want you to feel comfortable and happy on your special day.
If you feel that a truly Christian expression of marriage fits in with your views, hopes and dreams of what a wedding and marriage is then contact our Rector, Stephen Monk. (Please see the Contact Us page on this website). Stephen and the church members who support him in wedding arrangements will make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
We want your wedding to be special and meaningful for both of you. We also want you to feel comfortable and happy on your special day. Whether you go for a traditional service or want something simpler we will help you arrange the church service which suits you. It can even be held in a Sunday Service. We arrange a rehearsal so you know what will happen on the day including how it feels to walk up the aisle and say those amazing words of love and commitment.
Residence
If you do not live in the parish but want to marry at St. Helen’s because it has special significance for you through family or other special connections, then you have to show just one of the following seven connections:
That one of you:
Was baptised in the parish or
Was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
Has at any time lived in the parish for at least 6 months or
Has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for at least 6 months, or
That one of your parents:
At any time after you were born has lived in the parish for at least 6 months or
Has regularly attended normal church services for at least 6 months, or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
Was married in the parish.
Please note: In all cases involving church services (normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage), this only applies to Church of England services.
Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the connections listed above we will help you to explore whether it may still be possible to marry at St. Helen’s. Just contact Reverend Stephen Monk for a chat.
Banns of Marriage
It is a legal requirement that Banns of Marriage be read out in the Parish Church where the bride to be lives and where the groom lives.
The Minister of each church will give notice during the Sunday service, for three weeks during the three months prior to the wedding, that you are to be married and will ask if anyone knows of any reason why you should not be allowed to do so. If you would like to be present when the Banns are read you will need to find out from the Minister when this will take place.
You will need to obtain a Banns Certificate from the Minister of each church to prove that they have been read. The Banns certificate from the church where the wedding is to take place is free but there will be a small charge for the certificate from the other church. This certificate must then be shown to the Minister who is to conduct the wedding as the ceremony cannot take place without it.
Music
St. Helen’s can arrange for an organist to play for weddings. There is also a sound system in church if you want to bring your own music to be played. Most couples choose music for when the bride enters the church, during the signing of the register and for when the bride and groom leave the church. In addition, two or three hymns are chosen to be sung during the service. It is a good idea to choose well known hymns that your guests will know. You may know exactly what music and hymns you want but if you don’t, here are some possibilities:
Hymns:
All things bright and beautiful
Amazing Grace
Bind us together
Give me oil in my lamp
Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer
I danced in the morning
Immortal Invisible
Jerusalem
Lord of all hopefulness
Love Divine
Make me a channel
Morning has broken
Now thank we all our God
O Jesus I have promised
One more step
Praise my soul
Take my life and let it be
The King of love my shepherd is
We pledge to one another
Music for the Entrance of the Bride:
Bridal March Wagner
Trumpet Voluntary Clarke
Trumpet Tune Purcell
Trumpet Voluntary in D Stanley
Canon in D Pachelbel
Music for the Exit of the Bride and Groom:
Wedding March Mendelssohn
Toccata Widor
Sortie in E flat Lefebure-Wely
Hornpipe Handel
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Handel
If you are unsure of anything you have read on these pages or you would like more information then please do contact us – we are here to help you.