The story of Adam and Eve, at the very beginning of the Bible, pictures how God made man and woman for each other, and for the future and flourishing of the human race.
The Rite of Celebrating Matrimony celebrates married life as ‘established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood’, suggesting it was part of our original way of life in Paradise.

The Rite of Celebrating Matrimony in church celebrates the vows. The couple continue to celebrate the sacrament day in day out in their life together and in their family. So the minister of the sacrament is not the priest or deacon who officiates, but the couple themselves.

How come some divorced people are allowed be Married in Church?

A divorcee whose former spouse has died is free to marry. Some divorcees apply to the church for an ‘annulment’ of their marriage: after investigation of the circumstances of the marriage and what happened in the breakdown of the relationship, the Church may sometimes declare a marriage ‘null’. This means it was not a true marriage with full freedom and commitment on both sides at the time of the wedding. This is not a divorce declaring a marriage is over; it is a declaration that there never was a true marriage, the ceremony was ‘nullified’ by the incomplete participation or commitment of the couple, so the partners are still free to wed.  If you would like to discuss any previous marriage that has taken place inside or outside of a church, please contact us to discuss your circumstances and see how we may be of help.

What if my fiancé is not a Catholic?

A Baptised Catholic is free to marry a baptised Christian of another denomination, with a dispensation from his or her priest. The Catholic partner is asked to commit themselves to do their best to maintain their catholic faith, and to pass on the faith to their children.

What if my fiancé is not a Christian?

With a dispensation from the Bishop, a Baptised Catholic is free to marry a person who has not been baptised or belongs to anther religion. The Catholic partner is asked to commit themselves to do their best to maintain their catholic faith, and to pass on the faith to their children. The priest who prepares you for marriage can arrange the dispensation.

How much notice is needed to book a wedding in one of the churches?

Before you can marry in a Catholic Church there is a period of notification, preparation and administration to undertake.  To give adequate time to this process for marriages within one of the churches in All Saints, we only take bookings for marriages at least ONE YEAR in advance.  This enables us to work closely with all the wedding couples who approach us and provide a smooth process leading up to your big day.

How can I arrange to be Married?

Before arranging any dates for receptions or honeymoon, you should approach the priest of the Parish you live in (and also the priest of the church you hope to be married in if that is not the parish where you are living) to fix dates and times, and begin the spiritual and liturgical preparations. You will then need to book the date with your local Registrar of births, deaths and marriage.

Within this Diocese all couples are required to attend a Marriage Preparation Course that is offered through Marriage Care.  Book early to ensure your place on this course.  On completing the course you will be given a certificate, which must be handed to the priest you eventually meet with.

How much does it cost to be Married in Church?

Sacraments are celebrations of the love of God in our lives, which is always a free gift we can never earn or buy.

However the Church building needs to be maintained, lit, and heated for the ceremony, and all year round to be there for when you want it for your wedding.

Also the people who make the wedding, musicians, florists, Registrar, and the priest or deacon all give of their time, talents and qualifications, at the service and before. Some, such as the Registrar or the organist, have their regular scale of charges of which they will inform you. Contact Us for a list of fees within the All Saints parish.

If you would like to get married within one of the churches within the All Saints parish, please download and complete the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry form, and return it to the parish office (9 Stow Hill).