Getting married?
Congratulations
We are glad that you are considering getting married at St Laurence, Meriden and we'd like to elp you to begin married life in a joyful setting.
Can I get married in church?
Yes, usually.
Those who have been divorced and are in possession of a decree absolute are legally entitled to be remarried; they have a legal right to ask to use the Church building, permission is at the minister’s discretion. We affirm the sanctity of marriage and seek to promote it as a way of life approved by God.
If you are planning or have had a Registry Office wedding we may be able to offer you a service of blessing.
The legal bits...
In a marriage service the Minister acts also as a registrar and, as such, certain legal restrictions apply. If these rules are not adhered to then not only is the marriage void but the Minister is liable to prosecution!
The normal procedure is for your wedding to be preceded by its announcement on 3 Sundays at the main service in the Churches where you live and where the wedding will take place. This is called "Banns".
We can do this if one of you lives in the parish or is on the church electoral roll or has a qualifying connection.
Do I have a ‘Qualifying Connection’?
A person has a Qualifying Connection with a parish if that person satisfies one, or more, of the following statements:
- was baptised in the parish or
- had their confirmation entered in a church register book of the church
- has at any time had a usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months;
- a Parent of that person has at any time during that person’s lifetime:
- had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months; or
- a Parent or Grandparent of that person was married in the parish.
Those who are not resident or not able to join the electoral roll are able to apply for an Archbishop's Licence on pastoral ground (should these apply.)
No ‘Qualifying Connection’? - No problem!
If you do not currently have a ‘Qualifying Connection’ this does not have to be a barrier to getting married at St Laurence. We want you to have the best possible start to your married life and a wedding conducted in the eyes of God, amongst God’s people is the best possible start for you to have. Come and join us in regular worship at St Laurence, after 6 months you can apply to be on our electoral roll.
Our services take place at 10:30am each Sunday.
How many can St Laurence accommodate?
Although the church looks small it does provide a cosy, traditional atmosphere for weddings. The internal layout means that it can look full with 50 people but we have the capacity to comfortably seat 150. If your guests are willing to be a bit more friendly we can accommodate up to 200!
What do we do next?
Contact the Priest-in-Charge, Lynda Lilley, for an appointment to talk over your plans and to fill in the appropriate application form to make sure it’s all legal. This means the two of you coming to The Rectory, with proof of identity (Passport, Driving Licence or similar), at a time that suits you - evenings and weekends are fine. At this meeting we will agree a date and time for the ceremony.
You will be invited to a Marriage Preparation course which will usually take place over 3 weekday evenings or a whole day on a Saturday.
Change of Plan?
Any changes you want to make can usually be accommodated (excluding changes you'd like to make to your partner, of course!). Simply email or ring Lynda.
Who To Contact?
Revd. Lynda Lilley
The Rectory, The Green, Meriden
phone: 01676 522 825
email: [email protected]