We are very pleased to know that you are considering being married in one of our 4 churches and would be more than happy to talk things through with you face to face, by e-mail or telephone, at your convenience.
After having read through the following frequently asked questions, do not hesitate to contact Michele (01823 451257) in the Benefice Office if you have any further questions or wish to look into things further. We will do our best to help you.
You may also wish to consult the Church of England website for weddings, which is both useful and informative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do we know if we are able to be married in one of the churches?
A: You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show that one of you
● 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
And did you know that if you move house, you’re immediately connected to the church there? That means you can marry in the church of your new parish.
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.
Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections, we want to help you explore whether it may still be possible for you to marry at one of our churches. Please do talk to us.
Q: What are the costs involved?
A: The breakdown of marriage fees from 1st January 2024* is as follows:
| Service | £531 |
| Banns | £36 |
| Certificate of Banns | £18 |
| Certificate of Marriage – **see note below – now issued by Registrar | N/A to church |
| Verger (Optional but most couples do need a Verger) | £35 |
Additional (Optional) costs:
| Organist | £80 |
| Choir (West Monkton & Kingston St Mary only – if available) | £10 per chorister |
| Bells before & after service – Kingston after only – (cost varies slightly between the churches at £20 per bell as they have a differing number of bells) | from £100 to £160 |
| Bell Rope Fund | £40 |
| Organist fee for audio recording | £40 |
| Organist fee for video recording | £59 |
*All fees are subject to increase each year. Fees will apply to the year you get married and cannot be set at the price above for marriage in a subsequent year.
** Couple to contact the local Registrars office and apply for copy certificate/s after the marriage has taken place in church and the new Marriage Document has been completed and returned – Fees for certificates are payable direct to the local Registrar’s office at their current cost.