GETTING MARRIED AT ST PETER'S CHURCH, FARNBOROUGH

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK

What does God think about marriage?

God holds marriage in high regard.  After all, it was His idea and right at the beginning of the Bible, we read that 'for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh' (Genesis 2:24).

Is it alright to live together before getting married?

Whilst recognising that this is now widely accepted in society, St Peter's affirms the church's teaching that it is right to wait until you are married and that co-habitation is contrary to God's will.  However, living together will not disqualify you from getting married at St Peter's, but the church passionately believes that God's way is the best way, and we want you to begin your married life together on the best possible footing.

Why get married in church?

Although the temptation is to regard marriage in church as 'doing it properly' you are specifically inviting God to bless your marriage and be part of your married life together.  That is why it is about so much more than 'getting a piece of paper'.

Are divorcees allowed to get married at St Peter's?

At present, the laws governing marriage do not allow remarriage in church where the former partner is still alive, unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Part of the reason for this is that the church has a responsibility to safeguard the understanding of marriage as a lifelong union.

There is a realisation however, that there are times when a marriage fails, and so we review each application in its own right. This may involve several interviews with the minister. Please contact one of the ministers if you would to know more.

We don't come to church/live in the parish. Can we still get married at St Peter's?

The law of the land states that one of you must live within the parish when your banns are called or be a regular worshipping member of the church and on the Electoral Roll, as well as fulfilling the legal requirements.

If you move out of the parish for whatever reason, you may disqualify yourself from being married at St Peter's. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Parish Office.

I am a student - can I still get married at St Peter's?

If you are a student but worship regularly at St Peter's when you are at home, you can remain on the Electoral Roll which entitles you to get married at St Peter's.   This is essential if your parents don't live in the parish.

If you have left college and the parental home and wish to get married at St Peter's, and your fiancé is neither on the Electoral Roll nor resident in the parish, you will have to apply for a Special Licence or live in the parish during the calling of the banns.

What are 'banns' & why do I have to get them read?

Banns are part of the legal side of marriage. As the Church of England is the State Church, the minister also acts as the lawyer and performs both the legal and religious parts of the marriage.

The reading of 'banns' is a legal requirement and serves notice of intent of a couple wanting to get married.  Banns are read out on 3 consecutive Sundays normally during the 9.30 service.  The purpose of banns is to make sure that you are legally entitled to get married.

An alternative to Banns is to be married by Common Licence, usually when there is insufficient time for them to be called, but you still must reside in the parish.

In special circumstances, an application can be made to the Archbishop of Canterbury for a Special Licence when a couple want to get married in a church and neither live within the parish or worship at the church.  This is at the discretion of the minister.

How do we book a wedding at St Peter's?

Simply phone the Parish Office on 01252 513111 and we will take it from there!