If you are thinking about getting married at St. Paul’s, congratulations on your engagement! We love a wedding and we would be delighted to be part of your big day.
Essentially, as long as you meet the legal requirements (see below), you’re welcome to marry in the Church of England whatever your beliefs, whether or not you are christened and regardless of whether you go to church or not. The church is here for you and you are very welcome!
If you are not sure whether you can can married here the following information should help.
Anyone can get married in their parish church, so you can get married in St. Paul’s if you live in the parish, or if one of you can show any of the connections listed below under the guidelines set out by the Church of England.
That one of you:
- was baptised in the parish or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months and is on the electoral roll* or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months and been on the electoral roll* or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
- was married in the parish
* The electoral roll is our membership list, made up of those who worship here regularly. People can join the electoral roll once they have attended one of our churches regularly for at least six months.
In all cases involving church services – i.e. going to normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage – this applies only to Church of England services.
Marriage in Church after Divorce.
The Church recognises that there are all sorts of painful and sad reasons why some marriages end. If one or both of you are divorced you may still be able to remarry in Church. At St. Paul’s we often take weddings where one, or both of the couple are divorced. You first need to meet with a member of clergy, usually our Rector, who will sensitively listen about the past, speak to you about your hopes for the future.
For lots of helpful information on weddings from the Church of England Wedding website. Click HERE to discover more.
Enquiries for weddings can be made to the Parish office on 01243 533403 | email: office@stpaulschichester.org or by contacting the Rector, Canon Paul Doick on 01243 306043 | email: rector@stpaulschichester.org and we will arrange to meet with you.