Rector's Letter

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Getting Married at St Mary's We are delighted to welcome couples to our beautiful church for their wedding.  The service is central to one of the most important days of your life and we do everything we can to ensure that it is really special.  We are also here to help you prepare for your married life together. By getting married in church, you are asking for God’s blessing on your life together - the best start you can have.

The first thing to do is to call in at the Parish Office, preferably on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 8pm when there will be a member of staff on duty who can discuss the whole process with you.  You will be able to check that the date you would like is available and then complete an application form to confirm your church booking.  Weddings can be on any day of the week (although there are time restrictions on Sundays) but it may not be possible to arrange a choir or bells on weekdays. 

When do we have to book?

It is best to book the church as soon as you have decided to get married.  We currently have bookings up to two years in advance but there are still plenty of spare dates in the calendar.  It is important to check with us that the church is available before booking your reception.  There is no booking fee but we do ask that you notify us if your plans change, otherwise we may have to make a charge for cancellation. 

Does it matter where we live?

If one or both of you live in the Parish you may get married in St. Mary’s by Banns.  This is an old tradition, still legally required, whereby an announcement of your impending marriage is read out in church on three Sundays beforehand.  Traditionally, this gives members of the public a chance to object to the marriage but this is extremely rare these days! 

If neither of you live in the Parish, it may still be possible to get married here if you have strong links with St. Mary’s and Saffron Walden, for example if you have lived here in the past or if your parents live in the Parish.  

If you regularly worship at St. Mary’s for at least six months,  you may also be married by Banns.  

How do you help us prepare for our marriage?

Early in the year in which you are to be married, you will be invited to attend a one-day course for all couples who will be getting married in the same year.  The course covers looks at issues you will need to address in your marraige, the Christian view of marriage and practical aspects in planning your wedding day  such as music, flowers and legal matters.  

What happens next?

During the months before your wedding there may be lots of questions you want to ask.  Our clergy and Parish Office team are always available to offer help and advice about any aspect of your marriage.  About three months before your wedding we contact you to tell you when your Banns will be read, if appropriate.  We can advise on your order of service and review it with you;  we can offer help with choosing hymns and music if you wish. 

We will arrange a convenient day for a rehearsal: this is usually on the evening before your wedding day. 

Do you marry divorced people?

In certain limited circumstances, it may be possible for divorced people to marry in church.  In other cases, it may be possible to arrange a wedding blessing service to follow a civil ceremony and this can have most of the elements of a wedding service except for the legal requirements.  Please talk to the Rector if you would like more information about this. 

How much does it cost to get married?

This depends on whether you just want the service itself or whether you would like optional extras such as a choir, the organ, bells etc.  The costs range from about £400 - £750.  There is generally a small increase each year.

Any other questions?

If you would like to find out more, contact St. Mary's

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