weddings

Getting married in Church is a wonderful and unforgettable experience, so we welcome applications for marriage within all the churches of the Benefice, from those who are legally entitled to marry here.  We operate an “open door” policy with regard to those who have previously been married, although the final decision as to whether a marriage can take place where one or other party has been married before is subject to the completion of a confidential enquiry form, and the Rector’s approval.

What is Christian Marriage?

Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God where a man and woman enter into a lifelong formal relationship. In Marriage a couple become “one flesh” and make promises to live for each other, rather than promising to live simply with each other. Christians believe that marriage is the right relationship to engage in sexual relations and to build a family life. Being married in a church, in front of God, and in front of friends and family is very important.

A marriage is a public declaration of love and life-long commitment. These declarations are made in front of friends and family in a church ceremony.

Many people these days choose to marry in a civil ceremony (i.e. at a registry office), or in another place licensed for marriages. Marriage in Church brings an added dimension - the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that His resources and strength are available to help you. Including God in your marriage does not mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that His love will sustain you.

 You will also have the support of the Christian Church family.This is why marriage is sometimes known as a “Pastoral Service” in that it is the start not only of your marriage relationship with each other, but it also is an opportunity for you to become more closely linked with the Church. We therefore take your marriage and our relationship with you very seriously. We want to make your day as happy and as memorable as possible, and to be there for you “for better and for worse” in the years ahead.

How do I know if I fulfill the legal criteria?

Every couple’s circumstances are different. On October 2008, a set of new marriage regulations came into force which gave more couples the right to be married in the Harling United Benefice. A brief summary of the regulations are set out below, and can be found in more detail on the Church of England website,

The Marriage Measure 2008 came into force on 1 October 2008.  Previously one of the couple had to “reside” in the parish.  The concept of ‘residence’ was supplemented by a new range of “qualifying connections”.
So in addition to residence in the parish or inclusion on the electoral roll, any couple may be married in any parish church provided that:

One of you was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish;

One of you has ever lived in the parish for six months or more;

One of you has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months or more; 

One of your parents lived in the parish for six months or more during the child’s lifetime

One of your parents regularly attended public worship for six months or more during their Childs life time

Your parent's or grandparent's were married in the parish.

Please note qualification for anyone of the parishes within the Benefice also means you are qualified to be married in any of the churches in the Harling United Benefice.

The Next Step

Contact Rev'd Lynn Fry - Tel: 01953 717423 - who can answer any questions you may have initially, if you would like to proceed she will send you an application form and one of the priests within the benefice will contact you and make arrangements to meet and discuss the service and any other marriage preparation requirements you may have. Please do not book any venues or until the date and time have been finalised with the benefice coordinator.