Weddings

We would advise that you book at least 6 months in advance, but not more than 2 years ahead. We would also advise that you book your wedding reception before you approach us because although we do have a lot of weddings, caterers, hotels etc. are usually more busy than we are.

In order for us to provide the greatest amount of flexibility with wedding dates and times for our couples we have a number of clergy, some of whom are retired and some of whom are female, that we are lucky enough to be able to call on to take weddings for us when our Rector is not available. Therefore allocation of clergy is based on availability on a certain day and time so unfortunately we are unable to take specific requests for a particular clergy member. If, however, you have a family member or friend who is licensed to conduct weddings in church who you would like to take or be part of your wedding service please contact our Church Administrator.

Provided you live in one of our 3 Parishes, you are entitled to be married in any of our 3 churches in the benefice. There may be many reasons why you want to be married in one of our churches. However, if you do not meet the Residency Regulations, legally you can still get married in any of our churches if you have a qualifying connection through any of the following reasons: You can get married in any church if you were baptised there, if you are on the confirmation register of the church, if you have lived in the Parish for at least 6 months or if you have attended worship in the church for 6 months. You can also get married in any church if your parents or grandparents were married there or, if your parents have lived or worshipped at the church for 6 months.

We do marry people who have been married before but this is at the Rector’s discretion and you will need to be interviewed by him. The Rector interviews all wedding couples and has the final say as to whether the wedding will take place. He usually does this after the paperwork has been completed by our administrator.

The basic cost for the wedding service are set nationally by the Church of England. Click here for current costs. Additional costs are charged for: an organist a verger to prepare the church for your service the church choir – who are based at Botley but who can come and sing in Durley or Curdridge if you so wish the bells – the cost varies depending on which church you are married in.

We take a deposit of £100 when you book the wedding. The balance of the final invoice is due one month before the wedding when the Parish Administrator will email a draft copy of your Marriage Document. We can take payment via internet banking, cash or cheque.

No that is fine by us.

We have two sessions that we like you to attend: 1. The first is a Wedding Admin afternoon. This is held once or twice a year normally at All Saints’ Botley. You will be able to meet all of the people involved in the elements of your wedding – the clergy, the music director, the flower arrangers, and the organists. We do also have a choir who would always be pleased to sing at your wedding. 2. We also have ‘Space to Think’ sessions which are literally a time to think about what marriage means, what your service will involve and the vows you are about to take. We have three of these two hour sessions spaced throughout the year. We do like you to attend both of these sessions.

No it does not. However if you choose to have your wedding on any other day it will limit the number of bell ringers and choir who are available.