Weddings

Weddings

We are delighted that you’re considering St Mary’s Eastrop for your wedding. A church wedding is a significant and joyful occasion, and we would be honoured to be part of your special day.

Before you book any reception venue or make firm arrangements, please read the information below carefully. A wedding date can only be confirmed at St Mary’s after meeting with clergy and completing the initial steps outlined below. This helps avoid disappointment and ensures we can support you well from the start.

Can I get married at St Mary’s?

Church of England rules give several ways you might be eligible to marry at St Mary’s — and you don’t always have to live nearby. You can usually get married here if any one of the following applies:

  • You have regularly attended services at St Mary’s for at least six months at any time
  • You live in the parish
  • You have lived in the parish for at least six months at any time in your life
  • You were baptised (or christened) at St Mary’s
  • You were confirmed and your confirmation was recorded in a register at St Mary’s
  • One of your parents has lived in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime
  • One of your parents has regularly attended St Mary’s services for at least six months during your lifetime
  • One of your parents or grandparents was married at St Mary’s

If you’re not sure whether you qualify or if you’d like help exploring your options, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your situation.

Getting started

Before a date can be confirmed, we ask all couples to:

  • Complete a short enquiry form—this helps us understand your connection to St Mary’s and begin the planning process.
  • Meet with one of our clergy—this is a friendly and informal conversation to talk through what a church wedding involves, check eligibility, and begin thinking about the service together.
  • Provide valid identification (such as a passport or birth certificate)—especially important if either of you is not a British or Irish citizen, as this affects the legal process for marrying in the Church of England.

Once we’ve completed these steps together and confirmed a date, you’re welcome to go ahead with booking your reception and making further plans.

Special circumstances

We recognise that every couple’s story is unique. Some situations — such as previous marriages or other personal circumstances — may raise questions about what’s possible within the Church of England.

If this applies to you, we encourage you to explore the guidance available on the Church of England’s official website: Your Church Wedding.

You’re also very welcome to contact us directly. We’ll treat any enquiry with care, respect, and sensitivity.

Receptions

Please note that we don’t usually offer our church premises for wedding receptions. We’re happy to recommend local venues known to us, but we focus our efforts on helping you prepare for a joyful and meaningful church service.

Next steps

To begin planning your wedding at St Mary’s Eastrop:

  1. Contact us: Get in touch with the church office to express your interest and receive the enquiry form.
  2. Meet with clergy: If eligible, the church office will schedule a meeting with one of our clergy members to discuss your plans and complete necessary paperwork.
  3. Attend marriage preparation: We offer sessions to help you prepare for marriage, covering both the practical and spiritual elements of married life.

For more information or to start the process, please contact us at: