Getting Married in York City Centre Churches

Many people would love a church wedding but think they can’t have one, or that it’s all too complicated, or even too expensive. So they don’t bother to ask.

Marriage is one of the biggest decisions anybody will make in life. It is the beginning of a commitment to making a wonderful life with the person you love. We want to do all we can to make your wedding day  special, and to help you prepare for a lifetime together.

Q. Who can get married?
A. church wedding must be between a man and a woman over the age of eighteen years (or over the age of sixteen if you have the written consent of your parents).

Q. Do we have to get married in a particular church?
A. Everyone lives in a parish and belongs to that parish’s church, even if you didn’t realise it. However, from October 1st 2008 you can also marry in a church that has special significance for you; an example might be the parish where one of you grew up in or where a parent of one of you lives. If you wish to marry in another church you should contact the clergy of that church.

Q. We’ve decided to get married abroad but we would like a church blessing. Is that possible?
A. There is no reason why you shouldn’t do this, contact the clergy at your parish or preferred church.

Q. I’m divorced. Can I still get married in church?
A. The Church of England believes that marriage is for life. But it recognises that sadly, some marriages do fail. In exceptional circumstances, the Church of England accepts that a divorced person may marry again. Speak to your parish priest. He or she will want to talk to you frankly about your previous marriage and your hopes for the future. Even if it is not possible to have a full service, they may be willing to bless your union.

Q. One of us is Church of England and the other is Catholic. Does that matter?
A. People of all denominations have a right to be married in their parish church so it doesn’t matter from the Church of England’s perspective, however, you may wish to discuss this with both of your priests.

Q. Can we get married on a Sunday?
A. The time and day of the service is decided by negotiation with the local clergy, although it must be  between 8am and 6pm and obviously not clash with other services so you could get married on a Sunday provided the minister is willing and you meet the basic requirements.

Q. What happens if one of us is a foreign national?
A. If one is a national of a country outside Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the EU or USA the Church has a responsibility to conduct marriages which will be recognised in the country the bride or groom comes from. Consult the priest you wish to take the service who will be happy to help and advise.

Q. Are there rules about the content of the service?
A. Clergy today are only too happy to tailor the service to your own choices. However, you must be prepared to accept certain non-optional elements of the service.

These answers are based on Church of England guidance. For answers from other denominations please speak to the Churches’ representative.

For more information on Roman Catholic weddings visit www.catholichurch.org.uk and www.life4seekers.co.uk

For more information on Methodist Church weddings visit www.methodist.org.uk

Click here to download more information about getting married in York City Centre Churches.