Getting married in Ringwood
What is marriage?
Marriage is a gift of God. It provides the right environment for your relationship to grow, your sexuality to be fulfilled and a secure and stable place in which to bring up children.
A marriage service is a public declaration of love and commitment to your partner. When that service is held in church, Christians believe there is the added dimension that God is involved in your relationship and that he will give you strength and encouragement throughout your married life.
You will still go through the ups and downs that any other normal married couple will experience but with the assurance of God’s love for you in all situations. You can also be assured of the added support of your local church family and ‘The Church’ as a whole.
Can we be married in Church?
If you are entitled by English law to be married you are likely to be able to be married in church. To be married in Ringwood you would normally have to live in, or be able to show a valid connection with, the Parish.
If this is not the case and you still wish to be married in a particular church you are able to apply for a special licence. However, this is not a right and it may not always be granted.
If either of you are not of English nationality a licence is needed if the marriage is to be recognised in the country of your nationality.
Where a person has been previously married and their previous partner is still alive then it is possible for the marriage to take place in church if the Minister agrees and has the support of the Bishop.
When are weddings held?
Weddings can be held on any day of the week, normally between mid-morning and late afternoon. Nearly all couples try to arrange for a service on a Saturday but parish clergy are flexible and will look to other days should the need arise. If you wish to marry on a Sunday you will have to be flexible because of the time of other church services.
How do we book our wedding?
It is important to book the date for your wedding as soon as you are able. You can do this by contacting the Parish Office as soon as possible. You will be asked a number of simple questions and if all is in order a date and time will be agreed. You may be asked to meet with the Minister to complete an initial booking form and pay a non-returnable deposit.
What fees do a church wedding involve?
The fees for the basic wedding are set annually by Parliament, with the local church responsible for setting the fees for such things as organist, bells, choir, and church costs.
The fees for the current year are shown in each church and are available separately. The fees for a basic wedding within Ringwood Parish in 2011 is around £490 but the overall cost will depend on whether you choose to have bells, a choir, flowers and so on.
What if one of us has been married before?
If either of the you have been married before there is a need to see the Decree Absolute so that details can be taken for our records. If you have been married before, it’s vital that you be prepared to discuss this openly with the minister.
Banns
Normally notice of the impending marriage has to be given publicly so that anyone can voice their objections to the marriage. In Church this is done by calling the ‘Banns’ (saying who is to be married and the name of their local parish) usually at the main service on three consecutive Sundays. The Marriage must take place within three months of the Banns, so they are usually called as early as possible. Couples and family members are welcome to come and hear the Banns called on dates which have been agreed. Banns are a legal requirement and if one of the couple is from another parish then Banns will need to be called there and the certificate showing this produced at the wedding practice.
About the Marriage Service
The Marriage Service follows a prescribed pattern but within this there is space to make it very personal by the choice of hymns, readings and music. Music for the entrance of the Bride and at the exit of the Married couple are perhaps obvious points in the service, but music can also be chosen for the time when the Registers are signed. Two witnesses are needed at the time you sign the Registers and the Minister should know who they are to be beforehand. All these choices can be discussed with the minister as the wedding is planned.
Marriage preparation
You may be asked to attend a marriage preparation evening, along with other couples. This is usually very helpful as questions can be answered and shared by everyone, and it doesn’t take long!
Rehearsal
The wedding rehearsal usually takes place a few days before the service at the wedding venue. It is a chance to walk through all that will happen on the day and to sort out any unforeseen concerns (buggies, wheelchair and so on). As many of the bridal party as possible are welcome to be there.
Orders of service
Orders of service are left to you to purchase or make. All music or hymns printed need to have an acknowledgement of copyright and the Church copyright license needs to be printed on them. The minister can supply you with the license number and sample copies of orders of service if you require them. You also need to consult the minister with the draft format before going to print.
Flowers
We leave the actual detail of the flower arrangements to you but suggest that you use one of the people who regularly do the church flowers as they know what works best.
The minister will be able to give you the contact details.
Book a date now
Contact the Parish Office by ringing 01425 489 898 or email office@ringwoodparish.org.uk.
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