People have worshipped (and married) at All Saints Church for over 700 years so it is a wonderful part of Kesgrave’s history. Traditional on the outside but modern on the inside, it is a special place to wed. Why not have a look at some of our photo’s on the website.
Up to 150 people can be seated easily on comfortable chairs and floor to ceiling windows on the south side creates a bright and beautiful space. The original part of the church has beautiful flagstone flooring and old-fashioned wooden pews. Known as the Chapel, this area is sectioned off creating a quiet private space and is where the wedding registers are signed giving the newly married couple a few moments to themselves. The organ compliments this all perfectly with a traditional sound yet it is only about 25 years old.
The bell tower was constructed in the early 16th century and the bell, cast in 1510, can be rung when leaving the church as a married couple, adding a wonderful historic characteristic to your ceremony.
Who should we contact if we are thinking of marrying at All Saints?
Natalie Lawrence, the Parish Administrator, is your first point of contact and will support you with the organisation of your ceremony. Email [email protected] or telephone 07737821034 and she will be glad to answer any queries you may have or check any dates you have in mind.
Who can get married at All Saints Church?
Whether you regularly attend church or not, All Saints Church would love to be a part of your special day.
If you live in the parish of All Saints, you are qualified!
If you live outside the parish you could still be married at All Saints if you or your fiancé/e fulfils at least one of the following criteria:
• have at any time lived in the parish for a minimum of 6 months
• were baptised or prepared for confirmation in All Saints Church
• have at any time regularly attended our normal church services for a period of at least 6 months
or
that one of your parents, at any time after you were born, have:
• lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
• have regularly gone to normal church services at All Saints Church for a period of at least 6 months
or
• that one of your parents or grandparents was married in All Saints Church.
To find out which parish you live in log onto the Church of England website
http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/youre-welcome/more-churches-to-choose-from
I am divorced; can I still be married at All Saints Church?
Yes in all but the most unusual cases, this is not a problem.
Who will help us to arrange our wedding?
All Saints Church provides an excellent team of people to work with you to create your own personal ceremony. Natalie Lawrence will provide you with our wedding brochure which helpfully includes ideas for music, hymns and readings to offer you inspiration creating a ceremony unique to you as a couple. From booking the date to advising on your order of service she will be a huge asset, ensuring that you have thought of everything. Natalie will also liaise with the other members of the team on your behalf and organise your banns and registers.
Maggie Thomas is responsible for collecting the fees and, if required, can arrange for beautiful church flowers to complement your service. Alice Rice is the church’s musical director and will liaise with the organist as necessary.
You will be invited to a wedding evening at All Saints Church which gives the opportunity for couples, who are marrying the following year, to look around the church and listen to suggestions of music. This is an exciting and enjoyable evening where you will be able to speak to the people involved in organising your wedding ceremony and meet other couples too.
The minister taking your wedding will be Canon Andrew Dotchin, Rev. Christine Nunn or Assistant Minister Rev. Gary Jones. They will meet you beforehand, conduct a wedding rehearsal and then on the big day lead your service in a relaxed but professional manner. Wedding rehearsals normally take place one evening during the week before the wedding, or at another mutually convenient time.
When are our banns read?
Your banns are normally read at All Saints Church on the 1st three Sundays of the full month before your wedding. If one or both of you live in another parish you will be required to contact your local church and arrange banns to be read there also. This is very important, as without this, the wedding cannot go ahead. They will also charge a fee for a certificate, which needs to be given to the minister who is marrying you at All Saints. See the Church of England website for banns fees (subject to annual review).
http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/your-wedding/the-cost-of-church-weddings
How much does it cost to get married at ASK?
The current fees for the wedding service itself, the banns to be read and certified, and your marriage certificate are available on the Church of England website
http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/your-wedding/the-cost-of-church-weddings
Additional All Saints Church fees as listed below (subject to annual review):
Verger only fee ~ £20 (The verger opens and prepares the church and ensures smooth running of the service)
Verger & Multimedia fee ~ (Optional) £30 (required if you wish to use an IPod, instead of the Organ, use of the screens during the service or broadcast )
Heating October to April ~ £30
Organ (optional) ~ £105
Church Flowers (optional) ~ £100
Church Bell (optional) ~ £10 (part of this cost goes to the Heartbeat Charity)
Can we have our guests throw confetti as we leave the church?
Confetti is controversial at some churches but at All Saints we give confetti throwing a big thumbs up! Here’s what Rev. Robin Spittle has to say about it, “Our church family love arriving at church on Sunday and seeing confetti on the ground outside as it reminds them of the happy occasion that took place the day before”
Your Wedding; the finer details
At All Saints Church we are excited to be involved in your very special day and will do everything we can to accommodate your wishes. Couples have had particular music played (we have a licence),and we had a bride arrived in a horse and carriage and a dog has been the ring bearer! Please talk to Natalie about the ideas you have to make your wedding unique. She will be happy to help meet your requirements as best as possible.
If you are interested in getting married at All Saints all the information you require can be found in our wedding brochure which can be downloaded below. Any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.