Church Wedding: A Memorable Celebration Of Your Love

If you're planning a wedding, you may be considering whether to hold the ceremony in a church. There are several pros and cons to this decision. For example, if your faith is a central part of your life, you may wish to honour it by getting married in a church. However, planning a church wedding often means abiding by certain rules that may pose limitations on how the ceremony goes.

The pros and cons of a church wedding

There are several pros and cons to having a church wedding.

If your faith is a central part of your life, you may wish to have a church wedding. It can feel extra special to have your wedding in a church you have attended for a long time, and you may be able to have the church band or choir perform during the ceremony. Most churches can easily seat large parties, so you won't have to cut down your guest list.

However, planning a church wedding often means abiding by certain rules that may pose limitations on how the ceremony goes. For example, some churches will only host a wedding if the bride and/or groom are a member of the church. If a church is willing to host non-member couples, you may be put on a waiting list or be expected to make an additional donation.

The rules and regulations of a church wedding

If you're planning a church wedding, there are a few rules and regulations you'll need to be aware of. Firstly, the legal age of marriage in England and Wales has been raised to 18, so you must be over this age to have a church wedding. The wedding must also take place between 8 am and 6 pm on any day.

There are different rules for church weddings in different parts of the UK. In England, you have the right to get married in the parish church of the town where you live, or where either of you are on the church's electoral roll. To be married in an Anglican parish church, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: one of you was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish; one of you has lived in the parish for six months or more; one of you has regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more; one of your parents has lived in the parish for six months or more during your lifetime; one of your parents has regularly attended public worship there for six months or more during your lifetime; or your parents or grandparents were married in the parish. Most Church of England marriages will also require banns to be published before the wedding can take place.

If you're planning a Catholic church wedding, you'll need a dispensation if one of you is not Catholic, and you won't need to have the banns read out beforehand. In Wales, the normal preliminary is the calling of banns in each party's parish church. For non-European nationals, a marriage schedule issued by the civil superintendent registrar is required unless a special marriage licence has been granted.

If you're divorced, there are special guidelines for marriage in the church, and you should talk to your vicar about your situation.

The role of faith in your decision to have a church wedding

If your faith is a central part of your life, you may wish to have a church wedding ceremony. It's a way to proclaim and honour your faith, and to make it a part of your wedding.

However, planning a church wedding often means abiding by certain rules and regulations that may pose limitations on how the ceremony goes. For example, some churches will only host a wedding if the bride and/or groom are a member of the church. If a church is willing to host non-member couples, you may be put on a waiting list or be expected to make an additional donation.

If you feel it is important for your pastor, priest or preacher to perform your ceremony, a church wedding may be required. Most churches can easily seat large parties, and can either provide or help you arrange music during your ceremony. If you are a long-time member of the church, it may feel extra special to have the musicians you already know and love to be a part of your church wedding ceremony.

In difficult times, no matter how devout the bride and groom, the big moments in life seem more significant when celebrated in church.

The role of the pastor, priest or preacher in your ceremony

If you're planning to celebrate your wedding at a church, it's likely that you'll want your pastor, priest or preacher to perform the ceremony.

The pastor, priest or preacher will also be able to help you with the planning of the ceremony, ensuring that it abides by the rules and regulations of the church. These rules may include limitations on how the ceremony goes, and some churches will only host a wedding if the bride and/or groom are members. If a church is willing to host non-member couples, you may be put on a waiting list or be expected to make an additional donation.

It is important to start planning early if you decide on a church wedding, especially if you want to get married in your hometown church. The biggest reason to get married at your church is to proclaim and honour your faith, so if this is important to you, it is worth considering.

The music at your church wedding

If you're planning a church wedding, you'll want to consider the music. Most churches can provide or help arrange music for the ceremony, and the church band or choir can perform. If you're a long-time member of the church, it may feel extra special to have the musicians you already know and love be a part of your wedding.

When it comes to choosing the music for your church wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the overall tone you want to set for your ceremony. Do you want something traditional and classic, or are you looking for something more modern and unique?

If you're not sure where to start, consider meeting with the church's music director or a member of the band or choir. They can help you choose songs that fit your style and vision for the ceremony. You can also ask them about any specific rules or guidelines the church may have for wedding music.

Another thing to keep in mind is the length of your ceremony. You'll want to choose enough music to fill the time, but not so much that it feels rushed or overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to choose three to five songs for the processional, one or two for the ceremony itself, and then another three to five for the recessional.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and make the music your own. If you have a favourite song that's not typically considered "wedding music," don't be afraid to include it. Your wedding day is all about celebrating your love, so choose music that reflects your personality and style as a couple.

Frequently asked questions