Congratulations on your engagement!
What a huge and wonderful step you are are about to take together! We are delighted that you might consider celebrating your wedding at your parish church and we look forward to learning how we might support and help you to make the most of your very special day.
Marriage is a very ancient idea. The Bible says that it goes back to the very beginning when God made humankind, male and female. (Genesis 2.24)
'For this reason a man will leave his mother and father and and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.'
Many people come to the church because they say that they are seeking 'a proper wedding'.
The vows in a Church wedding are traditional, solemn, and important:
".... to have and to hold from this day forward;
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part."
These words are foundational for a marriage which is life-long and life-giving.
But we all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences.
So some might feel that the Church would not welcome them. Many are surprised to discover that their perceptions were based on common myths.
Some common myths include…
I can not be married in church if I have not been baptized?
I can not be married in church if I have a child?
Anyone who has been divorced is not eligible for a church wedding?
We look forward to hearing from you. Whatever your background, we welcome your inquiry about a church wedding and would love to discuss your plans. The clergy understand that every situation is unique and will spend time listening to you so that they know how best to support you at this time.
How do I find out more & book our wedding?
Please email Revd Wendy Thomson at wendy@chatteris.org or ring 01354 692173 to make an appointment to discuss your plans. At the initial meeting, you will be asked to bring along some photo identification, such as a passport or a birth certificate, and something with your address. If you are not a resident of Chatteris, you will be asked to describe a link you have with the town, perhaps through your parents or grandparents.
You will be invited to a wedding planning session
After you have booked your wedding, please plan to join us for our annual Wedding Planning Session. This is usually held in the Bricstan Hall on the last Sunday in January from 2:30- 4:00 pm. During this session we review the wedding service and help you to personalize it. Many couples find this to be a useful and fun opportunity to meet other couples and discuss their wedding. We will also set the dates for your Banns to be read, the date for your wedding rehearsal, and answer any questions you may have. We ask for a deposit of £100.00 to confirm your booking by this stage.
What about Marriage Preparation?
Many couples spend up to 250 hours planning their wedding, but very little time, if any, planning for married life. There are many things you can do to begin building a lifelong, happy marriage. Investing in your relationship before you are married will reap rewards for many years to come. This is optional but highly recommended!
The wedding rehearsal
A date for a rehearsal will be arranged at the planning session in January. The rehearsal is usually held during the week before the wedding and is an opportunity to walk through the service and answer any last minute questions. Invite your best man and bridal party to join you. You will need to pay the balance by this time.
How much will our church wedding cost in 2024?
Statutory fees are set nationally by the Archbishops’ Council.
1. Making it legal (before the wedding) using one of the following
a) Calling Banns of Marriage = £ 36.00
or else (ie. if public worship is restricted)
b) Common Licence Application (only if Banns will not work for you.)
2. Wedding Service = £ 631.00
This will include the following:
Marriage Fee to Diocese of Ely £ 241.00
Legal Fee to Parish Church Council £ 290.00
Verger (to assist priest, set up, and operate sound desk) £ 50.00
Contribution towards maintenance, heat & cleaning costs £50.00
Optional Extras may include:
Professional Organist £110.00
Bells £ 210.00 (Only if enough ringers are available)
Video Livestream (Amateur) £ 50.00
Hire of the Bricstan Hall £ 20 / hour (for drinks, afternoon tea, or a meal afterwards)
How can I Make a Payment?
Remember to use the last name for you or your partner for a reference so we can track your payment. Please pay a refundable deposit when you book your wedding. After the wedding is booked, feel free to make payment(s) up until the day of your rehearsal using the same reference name. Just to be sure, you may also like to send an email to confirm your payment.
Chatteris Parochial Church Council
Account Number: 00256684
Sort Code: 20 - 43 - 63
REF# Last NAME - To help us answer any questions relating to your giving in the future, it would help us if you could reference your gift with your last name… e.g. Ref# SMITH
planning to be married somewhere else?
If you are planning to be married at another church and need to have your Banns called in Chatteris because you are a Chatteris resident, then this information is for you.
*The Legal fee for the publication of your Banns is £ 54.00
A Banns application pdf form may be downloaded from the button below. (1) Print off the application form. (2) Fill it in with your details. (3) Add a contact phone number (4) Send it by post or by hand with the correct *Fee to the following address: The Vicarage, Church Lane Chatteris, PE16 6JA
Banns are usually read out on the month before the month of your wedding, at the 9:30 am service during the first three Sundays. Please contact us if you would like to chose another month.
Afterwards, you will be provided with a Banns certificate as evidence. It should be ready for collection on the third time of calling.
AFTERWORDS, How can I collect our marriage certificate?
You can order copies of marriage certificate 10 days after your wedding. The cost for each certificate is £11. and can be ordered using this link: https://www.camdex.org.uk
How can I contact the vicar?
Contact Wendy using the contact details below for more information and to organize a meeting. She would love to meet with you in person at the church or on zoom to discuss your plans.
Rev.d Canon Wendy Thomson | Vicar
Rev.d Wendy Thomson can be contacted about about weddings, christenings, funerals or any other pastoral concerns.
E | wendy@chatteris.org T | 01354 692173
Address: The Vicarage, Church Lane, Chatteris, Cambs, PE16 6JA
Afterwords, how can I get a copy of our Marriage Certificate?
You will need to order one from the government website. The cost is £ 11 for each certificate.
Here is the link for ordering a copy of your Marriage Certificate: Camdex
or via the contact centre on 0345 045 1363
Please allow for at least 10 working days after your wedding.