Marriage at St Martins
Friday, 18 September 2009 21:00 | 
Written by Administrator | 
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We are so pleased that you are interested in marrying in St Martin's. It is always a great privilege for us to be involved with weddings. Please be assured that we are here to help in any way we can, not only before, but after you are married as well.
The Rev’d Elaine Richardson
From the Bishop of
An ancient and attractive church like
Here you will find people who care deeply that your great day will be the beginning of a long and happy marriage. The priest, who will be marrying you, and officials at the church, will want to make sure that you understand the meaning of your wedding, so that you carry away with you a sense of peace and blessing.
I am glad that they take such trouble. I know that you will greatly appreciate their thoughtful help, and approach your wedding day with seriousness and sincerity.
God bless you in the years to come.
The Right Reverend Stephen Venner
Your Wedding
The decision to marry is probably the most important step that two people will ever make. At St Martin’s we want to ensure not only that your wedding day runs smoothly and is as happy as can be, but also that you are properly and adequately prepared for the life that lies ahead.
The Church’s teaching on marriage is very clear: Canon B30 of the Church of England states:
The Church of England affirms, according to our Lord’s teaching, that marriage is in its nature a union permanent and life-long, for better or worse, till death them do part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for the procreation and nurture of children, for the hallowing and right direction of the natural instincts and affections, and for the mutual society, help and comfort which one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.
The promises that you will make and the vows you will take are very far-reaching, so before your wedding we ask you to do some very serious thinking about the commitment you are undertaking.
You will have an opportunity to talk through any particular issues and the service before the wedding with the priest who will marry you.
Marriage in Church
Of course marriage in church is a legal act and subject to some considerations.
One of you needs to be Baptised. There are also residential qualifications to satisfy, although if you are a regular member of the church and on the electoral role then residency in the parish does not apply, and from 2009 rules were much relaxed so it is best to talk to the vicar about these. If you marry by banns they would normally be called on the first three Sundays in the month before your wedding. If either of you live outside the parish you are responsible for ensuring banns are read in your home church, and the certificate given to the vicar before the marriage can take place.
Applications for a common or Archbishops licence may also be made under rare circumstances.
Please do ensure that you have discussed these issues with the vicar.
We are required to see evidence to verify your personal details and nationality. It is therefore helpful if you could bring your passports or driving license and a photocopy of each when you meet the priest.
Re Marrying
In recognition that our Christian faith is founded upon Christ who forgives our failings and enables us to start again; the vicar is not in principle opposed to marrying divorcees in church. She will discuss your particular circumstances sensitively with you and together come to a decision. The original divorce absolute and a copy will always be needed.
The Meaning of Marriage
Marriage is a legal contract, whereby a man and a woman contract themselves to each other for life, but most of us see it as rather more than that. It is a declaration of our love and the desire to stand by that love in a public and open way.
Relationships develop and grow when we give time and attention to them. From the moment when you are able to admit and say ‘I love you’, from the time when that love was secret between you, it has grown into something that can’t be kept secret and which you want to share with others. So marriage is both a private and public occasion.
The wedding ceremony has some simple symbolism enshrined within it. A bride, where possible, is given away by her father – his last act as her sole protector, and something he will do with mixed emotions! The groom will have a supporter, his best man, who is someone to encourage and deal with all the last minute details.
When the vows are made each will take the other’s right hand, a kind of ceremonial handshake, sealing the words that are spoken. You will probably give and receive a ring or rings: it will probably be of gold, the most precious metal known to man; gold does not tarnish, neither we hope will these promises; a ring has not beginning and no end, it is eternal, like you love for each other, in which we catch a glimpse of God’s love for us.
( to be continued)
Last Updated (Tuesday, 16 February 2010 16:50)