Church Weddings
Drawing on the teaching of the Bible, and of the Church down through the centuries, the Church in Wales Marriage Service talks about marriage as a gift of God. Marriage is described as the lifelong, faithful union between a man and a woman, and married love is compared with the love Jesus has for his people – a love expressed in his willing sacrifice of himself on the cross.
Christians believe that a loving marriage provides the proper context for sexual intimacy and a secure environment for bringing up children. Marriage also provides important stability within the wider community.
Drawing on the teaching of the Bible, and of the Church down through the centuries, the Church in Wales Marriage Service talks about marriage as a gift of God. Marriage is described as the lifelong, faithful union between a man and a woman, and married love is compared with the love Jesus has for his people – a love expressed in his willing sacrifice of himself on the cross.
Christians believe that a loving marriage provides the proper context for sexual intimacy and a secure environment for bringing up children. Marriage also provides important stability within the wider community.
Thinking about getting married in Church?
Congratulations! We would love to welcome you into any one of our churches for your wedding ceremony. Many people believe that if you have a previous marriage, you can not get married in a church - that is not the case. We believe in a God of forgiveness who is all about second chances - and that includes marriage. All you need to do is ensure that you satisfy the legal requirements below:
Congratulations! We would love to welcome you into any one of our churches for your wedding ceremony. Many people believe that if you have a previous marriage, you can not get married in a church - that is not the case. We believe in a God of forgiveness who is all about second chances - and that includes marriage. All you need to do is ensure that you satisfy the legal requirements below:
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According to the Marriage (Wales) Act 2010, one (or more) of the following must apply in order to show a ‘qualifying connection’ to the church you would like to get married in:
According to the Marriage (Wales) Act 2010, one (or more) of the following must apply in order to show a ‘qualifying connection’:
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 St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd
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You must be aged eighteen or over in order to be married. If you have been divorced and would like to have your second marriage in Church, don't worry - you can!
Most couples who intend to get married in the Church in Wales ‘have their banns read’ some time before the ceremony takes place. This is a simple procedure which involves the priest making a public announcement of your intention to marry during services on three successive Sundays. However, there are also certain circumstances in which some form of licence, such as a Common Licence or Special Licence, is more appropriate.
If you feel at all unsure of whether you meet any of the legal requirements to marry in a church, please contact one of the Vicars on our team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Most couples who intend to get married in the Church in Wales ‘have their banns read’ some time before the ceremony takes place. This is a simple procedure which involves the priest making a public announcement of your intention to marry during services on three successive Sundays. However, there are also certain circumstances in which some form of licence, such as a Common Licence or Special Licence, is more appropriate.
If you feel at all unsure of whether you meet any of the legal requirements to marry in a church, please contact one of the Vicars on our team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Wedding Blessing and Renewal of Vows
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A husband and wife, can have their marriage blessed in church, whether they got married in the UK or abroad.
For some couples who marry abroad, it can be a way of ensuring more family and friends can celebrate the marriage if they were unable to travel to another country for the legal marriage. For others, it is an opportunity to affirm that marriage vows that they made to their spouse many years ago. Whatever the reason, we are here to make the occasion a joyful one! |
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A wedding Blessing or a Renewal of Wedding Vows, is a simple service acknowledging the commitment already made between husband and wife during a civil ceremony and asks for God’s blessing and guidance in your new life together.
Because it is not a marriage service, banns are not required, there is no exchange of rings and there is no signing of the official marriage paperwork during the service.
It can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells if you would like that, or it can be an intimate, low key service. The service itself has no statutory fee (because it is not a legal service) but there may be some costs, such as the verger, bells and use of an organist.
You can have a blessing in any church of your choice, so long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date.
Because it is not a marriage service, banns are not required, there is no exchange of rings and there is no signing of the official marriage paperwork during the service.
It can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells if you would like that, or it can be an intimate, low key service. The service itself has no statutory fee (because it is not a legal service) but there may be some costs, such as the verger, bells and use of an organist.
You can have a blessing in any church of your choice, so long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date.
What next?
If you would like to get married or renew your marriage vows in one of our Churches, please contact us and arrange a mutually agreeable time to meet one of our Vicars to book our wedding and complete the legal paperwork.
Should you have any further queries, you may find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions page below:
Should you have any further queries, you may find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions page below:
