Weddings
Congratulations on your engagement! We would be delighted to celebrate your marriage in our church and help you prepare for this new chapter in your lives together.
We have highlighted some questions you may have below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us with anything we’ve missed.
Who can get married in St Laurence's?
You can get married in St Laurence’s if one of you lives in the parish of St Laurence’s or if you can demonstrate one of the following connections either with the parish.
The connections are that one of you has:
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months; or
- was baptised in the parish concerned; or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish; or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months; or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months; or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months; or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
- was married in the parish
Please note that if you have no existing connection qualification, you can achieve one by attending regularly for six months before the date of calling the banns.
In all cases involving church services – i.e. going to normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage – this applies only to Church of England services.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a wedding in St Laurence’s consists of a basic fee, plus various additions depending on what you would like in your service. Please contact the Parish Office for the current costs.
One of us has been married before. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. In principle, we are prepared to marry people in church who have been married before. However, before we can do this we need to go through the Church of England’s procedures for such cases. We will be able to explain more when you phone us to enquire about making a booking.
What can we have in the service by way of music, readings, etc?
The Director of Music at St Laurence’s, Michael Oakley, will be able to help you choose the music for your service. It is important that you speak to him before finally deciding on your choices – he can be contacted at the parishes office. The priest who will be taking your service will meet with you to discuss the readings and prayers that you would like in your service. You can also use the Church of England’s online wedding ceremony planner.
We like St Laurence's but feel it might be too big for our service. Can we get round this?
There are several spaces available in St Laurence’s where you could have your service. The nave (main body) of the church seats 350 people, but if you are looking for a more intimate ceremony then why not consider the chancel (100 people), the Lady Chapel (65 people) or St John’s Chapel (40 people).
How do we go about booking our wedding?
Please contact the Parish Office to discuss the date you have in mind.
