Weddings

If you have arrived at this page because you have decided to become husband and wife, may we offer our heartiest congratulations! We wish you a joyous and memorable wedding day, and a long, happy and fulfilled marriage.

We believe that a decision to hold the service in Church, seeking God’s blessing, is the best start your marriage can have. Indeed, marriage is a gift from God, and we at St. Michael’s are committed to supporting you as you prepare for your wedding and as you set out on the adventure of your future life together.

You have lots to do, and it’s so difficult to know where to start! But once you’ve told family and friends your wonderful news, and they’ve all asked to see the engagement ring, their next question will be: “When are you getting married?”! Even that decision will often depend on where the wedding will take place – you’ll want to speak to the people at the Church, and also to the venue for your reception, without delay!

Image courtesy of David Islip Photography

So please do contact us at the Church Office.

But right now, you probably have lots of questions in your mind. Let's see if we can anticipate a few....

Can we get married at St. Michael's?

It's now a lot easier than it used to be for a couple to marry in the Church of England church of their choice.

To be married in St. Michael's Church, it's fine if either of you lives in the Parish of Myland. If not, then you will have to provide proof of one of the following:

If either of you were baptised at St. Michael's
If either of you have ever lived in the Parish of Myland for 6 months or more
If either of you have at any time worshipped at St. Michael's for 6 months or more

Or if you can prove one of the following:

One of your parents or grandparents was married at St. Michael's
One of your parents lived in the Parish of Myland for 6 months or more, in their child's lifetime

Being divorced does not necessarily mean that you cannot be married here. Please ask.

Even if we don't go to Church?

Some couples tell us they feel like hypocrites, because they would like to get married in church, but haven't thought about God for a while. We don't think that way!

Please be assured that God understands, and wishes to welcome you and bless you; and so do we! The Church is a key part of the community, at the centre of daily life, and is the traditional place to gather for the important occasions in our lives.

What happens when we contact you?

No doubt you’ll tell us your preferred date for the wedding, and we’ll confirm whether the date is free in the church diary. We’ll then send you a banns application form to complete and return with the deposit payable. We will tell you what the deposit is when you contact us.

We will then arrange for the priest who will be marrying you to meet you both, probably at home. We’ll take you through everything you need to know, and help you make all the decisions about the service. There’ll be lots to talk about, but we’ve jotted down a few things below to help you prepare. But don’t think you have to make decisions before you meet us – we’ll help you to decide.

What will the service be like?

The service is in modern language, which people of all ages will be able to relate to. You can see the text of the service on the Church of England’s Website by clicking here.

The priest will explain the decisions you can make – for instance, you may wish to involve family and friends in the service, perhaps singing, reading a poem or a reading from the Bible. You can choose Bible readings, and may also write your own prayers to include in the service.

The priest will also discuss and explain the vows you are to take, who you will choose be the official witnesses to the ceremony, and there'll be a rehearsal so that everyone is happy with the plans for your big day.

The service would normally last about 35 minutes, depending on what you choose to include.

What about the music?

You will need to decide what music you would like played as the bride enters and as you both leave.

You may also like to have one or two hymns; it can be difficult to choose. The Church of England has a wedding planner site at yourchurchwedding.org, which you may find useful for your preparations; and if you click here, you'll be taken to the page on that site where you can find out more about wedding music as well as find a link to see the words of suitable hymns, and even listen to them!

Music is often played during the signing of the registers - our organist can choose it with you, or for you; we could even play suitable music through our sound system.

Your priest will be pleased to help you choose your music when he meets you or he will be glad to put you in touch with the organist who is always helpful with suggestions too.

What will it cost?

We ask for a non-refundable deposit, and then it depends on your specific requirements (the organist's fee, etc). When the priest meets with you, your requirements will be discussed fully and at that point we can give you a definitive cost. However, the total cost would not normally exceed £800.

What else should we be thinking about?

Don't worry; we'll walk you through it all when we see you - but you could consider:

What time would you like the wedding to start? Make sure the light will still be good for photographs afterwards!
Are you going to have an Order of Service printed? We’ll advise you on the best way to approach that. Or you can use ours.
Would you like us to ring the church bells?
Have you booked a photographer? We'll make sure he gets the best shots!
Will you be having the service videoed? There are copyright matters to consider.
Will you be providing flowers to decorate the church? We can advise you on what will look good.
How many bridesmaids, ushers & page boys will you have?
Who’s your “best man”, and is anyone "giving away" the bride?
How many people are likely to attend (useful for reserving seats etc)?
What time will the reception start? Is there just the right time in between the service and the reception, for photographs, travel, etc?

What happens as the day approaches?

At your meeting with the priest, you will receive a leaflet with a checklist of important tasks, and a booklet with lots of guidance and advice. And of course we’ll be here to answer your questions, and to share your excitement! In the days before the wedding, there’ll be a rehearsal, and we expect all the important people to attend so that we can all be sure the service will go well.

From this day forward....

When your wedding day is a blissful memory and you are now husband and wife, remember that the Church is still here for you! It will be a pleasure to support you as members of the Church family, and to share with you in your joys and challenges.

We look forward to seeing you. God bless!