Laws & Requirements

On the 1st October 2008 a new law was launched giving engaged couples more choice over where they can get married.

Couples could only get married in a Church if either one of them belonged to the parish, or were on the local electoral role. Recently, the General Synod passed the Church of England Marriage Measure in July 2007, and it received Royal Assent on the 22nd May 2008. From October 2008, Archbishops have now agreed for the law to come into force.

As todays society shows more and more people are moving around and living in different places so a measure had to be made to allow for more flexibility with where people can get married. I

f either one of them can demonstrate a connection with a particular Church, they can ‘’qualify’’ and would be able to be married there without the special license previously required.

You can prove that you have a connection with the church in a few ways.

We have listed some to help you below.

1) They were baptised within the parish (not including baptisms which were part of a combined service of confirmation or baptism).

2) They had their confirmation entered into a Church register book in the parish.

3) They have lived within that Parish for at least 6 months.

4) They have attended public worship in that parish for at least 6 months.

5) They have a parent who has lived in that parish, or who has regularly attended public worship in that parish for 6 months.

6) They have a parent or Grandparent who got married in that parish.

Please feel free to look on the church of England website for more information.