Weddings

poppysimon33Getting married in church is a great occasion for a couple to celebrate their love and commitment to each other among family and friends, and to receive God’s blessing on their life together.

Weddings are also a very special part of the ministry of St Mary’s, so if you live in Wythall parish or have a strong family connection here and are looking to tie the knot we’d be delighted to be involved!

Thinking about a Church Wedding?

Getting married at St Mary’s

During our 27 years without a church building most Wythall weddings took place at Tanworth-in-Arden church.  And for those who grew up in Wythall hoping to be married there it’s still a possibility with special permission.

However, we’re now excited to be able to offer couples their new Parish Church as a special venue for their big day.  If you haven’t seen the new church yet, do join us for one of our Sunday services (9am or 10.30am each week) and have a look.

Making Plans

To book a wedding through St Mary’s your first step is to call our Church Office.  Our Church Administrator, Cathy Walters, will take some details and we will guide you through the processes involved, including securing the date and time and making you aware of the fees as well as contacting the priest who will take your wedding service.

Alongside this www.yourchurchwedding.org is an excellent resource for couples who are looking for a Church of England wedding and contains plenty of guidance and practical advice.

Rules and Residence

The rules governing marriage in church are quite complex but essentially if you or your partner live in the parish and have not been married before, you will be able to be married through St Mary’s. If you’re not sure whether you live in the parish you can use the Parish Finder to find out.

Where both parties live outside the parish it may still be possible to be married through St Mary’s if there is a strong personal or family connection with the church.

Historically, those who have been divorced have not been entitled to be married in church, and remarriage is by no means universal in the Church of England today. However, in some circumstances we would be more than happy to pursue a church wedding with you when there has been a previous marriage.

Here, or where there are questions over residence, contact us to talk through what might be possible before a date might be booked.

Having a Civil Wedding?

A “Service of Prayer and Dedication”, sometimes called a “Marriage Blessing”, is available to couples who want to dedicate their civil marriage to God afterwards.  We would be pleased to advise you on how this service can be made personal, special and memorable to you.

Connecting with St Mary’s

Whatever your personal situation it’s important to put this great adventure of marriage into a spiritual context, so we encourage all couples to come to church as often as they can in the lead-up to their wedding day. We look forward to seeing you!

And for your Wedding Reception?

Struggling to find a reception venue that’s both attractive and value for money?  St Mary’s are also able to offer our new Church Hall as a beautiful venue for your wedding reception.