Wedding Information

WHO CAN GET MARRIED HERE?

Anybody who lives in the parish has the right to be married here, unless there is some other legal reason why they can’t. The parish includes the whole of Outwood, the top of Newton Hill, most of Lofthouse Gate, parts of what the post office calls “Lofthouse”, and parts of Wrenthorpe and Stanley. Please see the map on this website for more exact details (via "Find Us" button on previous page).

You can also marry here if you have a “qualifying connection” with the parish. "Qualifying connections" are other things that show that S. Mary Magdalene's is your 'family church' or one you have a close link with. There are seven kinds of qualifying connections:

1. One of the couple was baptised here and their names entered in the parish baptism register.

2. One of the couple was confirmed from here and their names entered in the parish confirmation register.

3. One of the couple has/had a parent or a grandparent who was married here and their names entered in the parish marriage register.

4. One of the couple has lived in the parish for at least six months at some time in the past.

5. One of the couple has a parent who has lived in the parish for at least six months during the lifetime of the person who wishes to be married here (currently or in the past).

6. One of the couple has habitually attended worship here for at least six months (currently or at any time in the past).

7. One of the couple has a parent who has habitually attended worship here for at least six months during the lifetime of the person who wishes to be married here (currently or in the past).

CAN ANYBODY ELSE GET MARRIED HERE?

Because there is no longer a parish church in Stanley, people from that parish also have the right to be married at Outwood Parish Church if they so wish (unless there is some other legal reason why they can’t).

However, Stanley residents’ weddings can also take place at the Saint Peter's Church Centre in Stanley: please contact the Vicar of Stanley (Fr Glenn Coggins )if you would like to know more about being married there (Tel.01924 218484)

Nobody can be married here if:-

1. They are under the age of sixteen years.

2. They are close blood relatives.

3. They are already married to somebody else.

4. There is some other legal prohibition.

5. They are of the same sex.

WHAT IF I OR MY PARTNER HAVE BEEN MARRIED BEFORE?

The Church of England will only remarry people who have been divorced where their former spouse is still living in 'exceptional circumstances'. We do this because we follow the Christian teaching that marriage is for life and that when two people marry they become "one flesh", meaning that their's and their partner's identity is sealed together. However, we do recognise that some marriages should never have been recognised as marriages in the first place, such as where the couple didn't understand their vows or where one partner was abusive. In those circumstances, it is sometimes possible to remarry at Outwood Parish Church - please speak to the parish priest to discuss your situation.

In most other situations, we'd be happy to offer a blessing after a civil marriage.

Most weddings are on Saturdays but other days are possible by arrangement with the parish priest. There may also be other times of the year that are not appropriate – Holy Saturday, Passiontide etc.

The normal total cost is currently £560 (2018). This includes all the statutory legal fees for the wedding, for the publication of banns here, and for the issue of the marriage certificate. It also includes local church fees for organist, verger etc. If the high cost of a wedding is a difficulty, please speak to Fr Glenn Coggins (01924 218484)

A non-returnable deposit of £40 is required in order to confirm the arrangements, with the balance to be paid before the wedding.

A couple wishing to be married here should first contact the parish priest, Fr Jonathan, to arrange an initial appointment to discuss the preliminaries and possible dates for the wedding. (Tel. Fr Glenn Coggins 01924 218484)


WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The next step would usually be for the “banns” to be published in St Mary Magdalene's Outwood and the church of the parish where each of the couple lives. This announces that the couple are intending to marry. Anybody who knows any legal reason why they are not allowed to marry must declare it then. This can only happen during the three months immediately before the wedding. If you live outside the parish of Outwood, you must bring a certificate that you have had your banns read to the parish priest. We encourage you to come along to hear your banns read. While it's just a legal formality, it's also an opportunity for your marriage to be announced and for you to meet the congregation at Outwood, see what our church is like on a Sunday and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake. So please come along!

Since March 2015, the law requires that evidence of nationality be shown to the person marrying you before we can publish your banns. A British, European Union, EEA or Swiss passport will normally suffice. If you don't have a passport, you will need to produce a birth certificate, and, if you were born after 1983, your parents' birth certificates. If you don't have British, EU, EEA or Swiss nationality, you will need to obtain a special certificate from the Superintendent Registrar, but Fr Jonathan is happy to help with that process. If you aren't resident in England or Wales  you will also need a license from the Diocese. 

The preliminaries can be stressful to arrange, but they're usually straightforward. If you need any help, Fr Jonathan and other local clergy are happy to help, so don't hesitate to ask about any of the legal requirements if you're unsure.<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span>

Another appointment during the month before the wedding will finalise the arrangements and look more closely at the words and actions of the ceremony. You will also have a rehearsal date a day or two before you get married, to make sure everything is perfect for your day!