Weddings

One of the most delightful parts of life at our churches is sharing a couple’s wedding day. Marriage is an important act of commitment and dedication. It is also an act of worship and prayer, where we ask for God’s blessing on your relationship and pray for your future life together. We will work with you to make your wedding very special and personal to you.

All three of our churches provide a lovely setting for a wedding.

Frequently asked questions:

• Who can get married in our churches? Anyone who lives in the parishes of Lyndhurst, Emery Down and Minstead and is legally free to marry can be married in any of our churches.

• What if one of us does not live in the Benefice? This is not a problem, as long as one of you does. You simply need to arrange to have your Banns read in the other Parish and this procedure will be explained to you.

• What if neither of us lives in the Benefice? It is possible to apply for a licence to marry here, especially if you have a long-standing link with one of our churches.

• What if one of us has been previously divorced? If one of you has been married before we may still be able to marry you. The Church of England has recently produced guidelines on the circumstances under which this may take place.

• How much will it cost? The fees for the marriage service, including calling of banns and your marriage certificate, for 2005 is £288. Fees for the bells, organist, choir and heating, should you require them, are extra. It is anticipated that these fees will increase slightly for 2006.

To arrange a date for your wedding or for more information please contact the Parish Office (023 8028 2154) on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. This should be done as early as possible.