Marriage at St Cuthbert's
Can I get married at St Cuthbert’s?
In order to be married at St Cuthbert’s Church you must live in the Ormesby area or you mut have made St Cuthbert’s your church.
If you do not live in the Ormesby area and you want to make St Cuthbert’s your church you must agree to attend St Cuthbert’s Church regularly for an absolute minimum period of 6 months.
If you live in the Ormesby area there is no requirement for you to attend St Cuthbert’s regularly.
Can I get married at St Cuthbert’s if my partner or myself has been divorced?
Yes, but you will have to talk to Robert, the Vicar, and you must, at the time of the wedding, have been granted a Decree Absolute. Robert will need to see the Decree Absolute.
If you have been divorced more than once, Robert will need to talk to some more senior church people. There is the need to be honest. Permission to marry at St Cuthbert’s after a second divorce is unlikely.
After a second divorce a Service of Blessing is possible and a Service of Blessing is much like a wedding.
Can I get married at St Cuthbert’s if myself or my partner lives abroad?
The simple, honest and straight forward answer is no. Marriage at St Cuthbert’s is both a legal and a religious ceremony and there are several legal and requirements most especially to do with residence and citizenship and links with St Cuthbert’s that will need to be fulfilled. It is helpful to talk with Robert the Vicar, but quite honestly, in most cases it is simply not possible to fulfil the necessary requirements.
A Service of Blessing, however, is possible. The Service of Blessing is very similar to a wedding. It is an opportunity for everyone to be together in our ancient and beautiful church and to share in and to celebrate marriage.
If myself or my partner are not Protestant or Church of England, can we be married in St Cuthbert’s?
This is very sensitive. The other Christian traditions, Roman Catholic, Methodist and the like have their own rules and understandings about marriage outside of their tradition and a first step is to talk to your priest or minister. There are, however, some circumstances in which it is possible to marry at St Cuthbert’s and in which a priest or minister from another tradition has been happy to be present at St Cuthbert’s.
Can I have a Gay wedding at St Cuthbert’s?
St Cuthbert’s is sympathetic and understanding and welcoming of gay people. Current Civil and Church of England law, however, does not allow for a Service of Civil Partnership nor for a Blessing of a Civil Partnership at St Cuthbert’s. Please talk to Robert, the Vicar.
How do I book a wedding?
Telephone the vicarage, 01642 314445. Brenda, our Parish Administrator, is available each weekday morning between 8.30am and 1.00pm. Brenda will invite you to the vicarage, at a time that suits you, and will explain everything. St Cuthbert’s is a very welcoming and popular church and it is advisable to book your wedding early.
How much does it cost?
In 2007 the basic wedding fees at St Cuthbert’s are £357.00. This fee includes flowers and organ. If you want the church bells, then there is an additional fee of £50.00. If you want a permit for the wedding ceremony to be recorded electronically by way of DVD or Video, there is an additional fee of £50.00.
What happens after we have booked our wedding?
Three or four months before the wedding, you will be invited to a wedding planning meeting in church, at a time that suits you. You will spend about an hour and a half with Robert, the Vicar, or Ian or Liz, and the wedding service will be explained and you will be given some leaflets to help you to plan your wedding.
Nearer to the wedding, there will be a final rehearsal in church with Robert, the Vicar. The final rehearsal usually involves the Bridesmaids, the Best Man, the Ushers or Groomsmen, and the like.
If you have any questions, or would like further information, please telephone the vicarage.
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