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Thinking about a church wedding?
Read our frequently asked questions to find out more:
Q/
What do Christians believe about marriage?
A/
Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God. In the
marriage ceremony, a couple make a public declaration of
lifelong commitment to love each other, come what may.
Q/
Can I get married in St James’ Church?
A/
Anyone who lives in Stretham may be married in St James’
Church.
Q/
I’m not baptised. I don’t go to church. Can I still get
married in St James’ Church?
A/ Yes! If you live in Stretham.
Q/
How do I book the church?
A/
Speak to the Team Vicar, Pauline Scott
Q/
We’ve decided to get married abroad but we would like a church
blessing. Is that possible?
A/
There is no reason why you shouldn’t do this. Speak to the Team
Vicar, Pauline Scott
Q/
I’m divorced. Can I still get married in church?
The Church of England believes that marriage is for life. But
it recognises that sadly, some marriages do fail. In
exceptional circumstances, the Church accepts that a divorced
person may marry again. The Team Vicar,
Pauline Scott will discuss this with you.
Q/
I’m Church of England and he’s a Catholic. Does that matter?
A/
People of all denominations have a right to be married in their
parish church (provided they have not been married before). So
it doesn’t matter from the Church of England’s perspective.
Q/What about marriage preparation?
You have probably invested a lot of time planning your wedding.
The day is important but your marriage should last for the rest
of your life. However much you think you know each other, you
are still two separate individuals with different backgrounds,
personalities, experiences, hopes and fears. All couples getting
married at St James’ will be invited to a day in Ely called the
‘Marriage in Mind’ Day which is an informal way to get all the
couples getting married in the team that year together to think
more about marriage. It is normally held in February.
Q/
How much will it cost?
A/ The legal fees for a marriage cover the publication of the
banns, the marriage service and a certificate of marriage. These
fees are fixed centrally and will be between £170-£250.
These fees do not cover any extras you may wish to have for the
service, such as an organist, bell-ringers etc
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