Religious Ceremony  

A religious ceremony is by far the most common choice and the first step is to approach the minister of the church in which you wish to marry. This would normally have to be in the civil registration district in which at least one of you resides.

A couple wishing to marry in church do not have to be members of the church, but most ministers will look for a genuine desire on their part to take their marriage seriously along the lines set out in the service.  Many churches are now working together to help inter-faith couples marry and it is quite common for ministers from both faiths to take part in the ceremony. A church marriage is a solemn Christian ceremony, with prayers and readings reflecting Christian understandings and belief in the sanctity of marriage.

Religious ceremonies are only legal if carried out by a person who is registered to conduct weddings. If this is not the case then you must arrange for the Registrar of Marriages from the district in which the building is situated to be present for the marriage.   The wedding can only be conducted in a place which has been formally registered by the Registrar General for marriages. 

Those wishing to marry in a Church of England or Wales must give public notice that they intend to be married. The minister will arrange for Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common license to be issued.   If Banns are not called then you will need to give notice of marriage to the Superintendent Registrar in the district where you live.

Guide to the Order of the Religious Wedding  

• The groom, best man and guests will be seated in the church to await the beginning of the ceremony 
• Entrance of the bride escorted by the person “giving her away” and preceded by the bridesmaids 
• The service begins with a welcome from the minister 
• Optional hymn or reading
• The bride and groom stand before the minister who speaks about the meaning of marriage
• The minister asks the congregation if anyone present knows a reason why the couple may not legally marry.  The couple make their promises to love, comfort, honour and protect their partner as long as they live
• Prayer, reading, hymn and communion if applicable
• The couple hold hands and make their vows 
• The exchange of rings 
• The congregation rises as the minister proclaims the couple man and wife followed by the blessing
• Prayers, hymn or reading
• Signing of the register with witnesses.  Music for the congregation
• The couple leave the church followed by the wedding party and guests 

Cost of religious ceremony

• Publication of banns of marriage £22
• Certificate of banns issued at time of publication £12
• Marriage Service £254
• Cost of religious ceremony at a building other than Church of England or Church in Wales - unless the building has an Authorised Person - there will be a £47.00 fee for the Registrar and there may be further fees charged by the trustees of the building and the person who performs the ceremony
• Cost of marriage certificate: £3.50

Additional costs would apply if you require an organist, choir and bell ringers.