Here at the Churches Under the Downs, we offer three kinds of services related to marriage:
Marriage services — these are legal as well as religious ceremonies
Services of Blessing — these are not legally binding
Services of the Renewal of Marriage Vows — these are for those already married
Besides these services, we also offer Marriage Courses. A five-session marriage course is a part of our preparation before a wedding, but is also open to those seeking services of blessing and vow renewal. Any couple may also ask about the Marriage Course.
Marriage
First of all, congratulations on your engagement! You will have lots to plan before your wedding day, and so much to look forward to.
If you currently live in one of the parishes in our Benefice, the law allows you be married here. If not, there are other ways you can legally qualify—for example, if you previously lived in the parish, or if your family is still in the parish, or if you were baptised/confirmed here. Do speak to us about this using our Contact Form.
After an informal conversation with the parish priest, he will redirect you here to complete the marriage form:
Services of Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Blessing
If you wanted to be married in church, but for some reason that was not possible, you may still have a service of blessing, which can look and feel just like a church marriage service (except that you don't sign marriage registers as you may have done this already).
We are also very pleased to be able to offer the Church of England's new service written for same-sex couples, called Prayers of Love and Faith.
Also, if you do not want to get married, but would like your relationship to be blessed, this is also possible.
Renewal of Vows
How long have you been married? 10 years, 25, 50, 60? The number doesn't matter, what is important is that you have reached a point where you want to give thanks for your life together so far, and reaffirm the vows that you made. You can do this in a special service at a time to suit you, as part of a normal Sunday Service, or just privately with the parish priest.