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 The Church of England Wedding
The church service is both a religious and civil procedure. You will have to arrange
a meeting with the vicar of the parish to get his consent, you may choose the area you
wish to marry in, however you will have to explain why you feel you have the right to
marry in that particular parish (parents married there, lived in the village when you
where young...). The vicar will help you through all the required form filling and
registrations. I would strongly recommend you arrange the dates well in advance as the
church has many religious events in its calendar and may have restrictions at certain times
of the year.
The Preparations
Prior to the day itself you will need to get together with the vicar to
discuss arrangements, he will help you through the choice of hymns and readings and give
you a indication on guest list size for the particular church. It is not unusual to have a
couple of rehearsals for all involved prior to the day. The vicar can also help with
service sheets (remember to print enough for all the guests, plus a few extra) and
organising the choirs and organist if available. |
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The Service
The cost are usually paid by the groom prior to the service, this includes
the service, vicar, choir and organist. Most grooms leave this to the Best
Man.
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The Bride and her father (or whoever has been chosen
to give her away) walk down the aisle to join the Groom and Best Man, usually accompanied
by the wedding march (the choice is yours). |
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The priest will give a short introduction followed
by asking if anyone knows of any reason why the marriage should not take place. |
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The vicar asks who is giving the bride away. The
bride's father places her right hand in the vicar's hand, then steps back to his place in
the first pew. |
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The marriage vows are taken, first by the groom then
by the bride. |
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The Best Man places the rings on the bible and the
vicar blesses them. |
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The groom places the ring on his
bride's finger. The
bride will place the ring on the groom's finger. (optional) |
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The vicar pronounces them man and wife (religiously
married but not legally until the register is signed) followed by "You may kiss the
bride" |
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The vicar will deliver a short sermon with a few
hymns and the couple may receive holy Communion. (if arranged) |
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The couple and their witnesses sign the registry
while hymns/music is played. |
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The happy couple make their way in procession with
the attendants following out of the church. |
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