Q: Do you have to 'go to church' at one of the churches in the Group to be married there?
A: No. As with any Parish Church in England, anyone who lives in the the relevant Parish automatically qualifies to be married there. If you are not sure whether you live within the parish area, you can either contact us or visit the website www.achurchnearyou.com to make sure.
In addition, you are also eligible if one of you:
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or
- was baptised ('christened') at the the relevant parish church or
- was confirmed at that church or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in that church for a period of at least six months
OR if one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish for a period of at least six months or
OR if one of your parents or grandparents was married in that church.
If none of the above applies to you or your partner, then the remaining option is to enlist on our Electoral Roll. To do so, you can attend services of worship here regularly (i.e. at least once a month) for a period of six months or more. If you would like to consider this last option, I can let you know the times and days when services take place (or you can find them on our website).
I'm sorry this is all a bit complicated - we would love to welcome everyone here regardless of where they live, but are bound by the rules concerning Marriage Law in the UK. Do have a word with us if you're still not sure whether you qualify.