A marriage service, wherever it is held, is a public declaration of love and lifelong commitment to your partner.

A service in church brings an added dimension – the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that his resources and strength are available to help you. Including God in your marriage doesn’t mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that his love will sustain you. You will also have the support and encouragement of the Christian Church family.

Marriage after divorce

The Church of England teaches that marriage is for life. It also recognises that, sadly, some marriages do fail and, if this should happen, it seeks to be available for all involved. The Church accepts that, in some circumstances, a divorced person may marry again in church during the lifetime of a former spouse.

 Our parish clergy are willing to conduct such a marriage in church, subject to the regulations which govern them. The minister will want to talk to you frankly about the past, your hopes for the future and your understanding of marriage.  If it is not possible for your proposed marriage to take place in church, the minister may consider other alternatives with you.

Can I have a Church of England wedding at a different venue?

You may only have a Church of England wedding in a parish church or some other place of worship – normally one licensed by the Bishop. It is not possible to have a religious wedding in other venues, for instance in a hotel.

Legal requirements

Banns of marriage are the normal legal preliminary for a marriage service where both parties are British Citizens. You must have your banns read out in church on three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. Banns are an announcement of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.

Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives as well as at the church in which you are to be married. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct information for calling the banns is given to the minister of the appropriate parish churches at the right time. Banns are not required for Prayer and Dedication after a Civil Marriage or Thanksgiving for Marriage.

If either of you is not a British citizen, you will need to obtain a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate.

If you are under the age of eighteen, you must have your parents’ consent to marry.

Banns of Marriage

We’re glad to help couples who are marrying at another church who need their banns of marriage published at All Saints’. Banns are one of the legal preliminaries to marriage. You should first talk with the vicar of the parish in which you want to marry. They will let you know if banns are needed.  Then check that you live in Streetly Parish by visiting the A Church Near You website. Then give us a call and we’ll ask you to meet us and fill in the necessary forms. There’s a small charge for publishing and certifying banns. Banns are usually published at the ten o’clock service on Sundays two months before your wedding. We welcome you to come to hear your Banns being read, though not essential, most couples do. You’ll hear the legal announcement and then we’ll pray God’s blessing on all your preparations.

A Church of England Marriage Service is a legally-recognised ceremony as well as an occasion for worship and celebration.

The form of service is governed by law.  After declaring their ability and desire to marry, the couple exchange solemn vows and give and receive ring(s).  The minister declares them to be married and the service concludes with prayers and blessings.  There are important legal preliminaries to a ceremony of marriage, which must be observed carefully.

Who can marry in church?

The Church of England is available for everyone who lives in England, through the parish system. No matter who you are, or where you live, your parish church is your first point of contact for weddings or other services.

You are entitled to be married at All Saints’ if one or both of you live in the Parish, or where you can demonstrate a “significant qualifying connection” with All Saints’ Church. Significant qualifying connections can include: you were baptised at All Saints’ Church; have your confirmation entered in a church register book of All Saints’ Church; have had your usual place of residence in the Parish for at least six months; or have habitually attended public worship at All Saints’ for at least six months at some point in your life; or, your parent has had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime; or habitually attended public worship at  All Saints’ for at least six months during your lifetime; or, your parent or grandparent was married in the parish.

You don’t have to be baptised to be married in Church following banns, but some understanding of the Christian faith is important if the service is to be meaningful for you. The precise rules are quite complicated, so please check with us to be sure.

How much will it cost to get married at the church?

Who will be the minister at our wedding?

Normally the vicar Mandy will officiate.

How do I book the church?

As soon as you have decided you would like to get married in church, get in touch with Debbie Aggett, the Parish Administrator at allsaintstreetly@btinternet.com or 0121 353 3582 (Monday- Friday 9.30-2.30pm) .  Debbie will help you with the first stages of making the booking and let you know how we arrange marriage preparation.  A £50, non-returnable deposit will secure your booking. In accepting a booking at a particular time, we have to consider our other commitments but try to be as flexible as possible.