Can I get married in a church?

Question

I was baptised as a child but have never actually kept up going to church, can I still get married in one? I have been told no by one friend but just want to see what other people know. Thank you.

(I am in the UK if this makes any difference)

Answer 1

In all likelihood, the vicar (or priest - depending on the denomination) of the church in question will want you to attend services for at least a few weeks. I believe they can refuse, but if you show willing to turn up they probably won't.  I think you're supposed to be there when the banns are read (I'm not so sure on that  - I got married in scotland where the rules are different!)

Answer 2

Yes you should be able to.  I wouldn't see why not.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

There is no problem in getting married in church. Pop along to your local church and ask. The preist may say that they would like to see you and your future in church but it will be up to you.

My late mum said to out local priest that she was worried about me not attending church and the vigar said not to worry. He felt sure that when I was out and about I was always able to speak to him on high if I wanted.

Go on if that is what you want, go and have a chat.

Answer 4

I think you will be fine. Not sure about the UK, but here in Ireland, you just need to produce your baptismal cert and confirmation cert from your parish I think and a few other irrelevant documents that they want. My BF isn't a believer and I am a Catholic. He was baptised church of scotland and has a baptism cert, but not a confirmation cert. I hope we will be able to jump a hurdle with that bit, but I think the hardest bit will be customising a celebration/ceremony that the priest will accept. we will have to work hard on that one. I don't want us to set a date until I have seen the priest initially and verify how things can be, as he ma need permission from the bishop etc. To apply for the licence We have to give the date and name of the priest for the wedding, so we can't arrange anything until that is sorted. I think you will be fine. Go on some wedding forums in the UK and maybe talk to a priest or someone who has been in a similar situation to you. I have known friends to be able to marry in a church, without practicing. Good luck.

Answer 5

You can but isn't it a little hypocritical of you...God is for life, not just for weddings and funerals!

Answer 6

Of course,you can!God will bless the ones who are good n believe in him.

And hey,

All the best.

Answer 7

Church of England............No problem

Answer 8

Of course u can. I was christened and only went to church when forced by my mum which was Easter and Christmas. I got married in a church. Good Luck and have a beautiful day. x

Answer 9

It really does depend on the church. Check with the church.

Some churches are 'in demand' and fully booked up for a long time with members of their regular congregation so they can run 'only regulars allowed' policies on their wedding bookings.

Some churches are quieter and would welcome the custom. Some of them may ask for a contribution to church funds, or use the ceremony as a chance for the vicar to give a little sermon about how nice it would be to see the people getting married coming back every Sunday like Christians are supposed to.

Personally I don't believe in any of it but enough of my girlfriend's family are Christian for me to know that this is the case.

Answer 10

Yes you can! Good luck!

Answer 11

God doesn't judge. You can get married anywhere you want. Don't invite your friend that told you that. They are not your friend and being very judgmental.

Answer 12

Yeah i think you can they usually allow most people because they believe marriage is something beautiful:) lol xx

Answer 13

Some churches won't let you, and then there are some that lets you if you abide by their rules (attend their meetings, get baptised, attend their marriage counselling etc) but there are also some that would let you just hire the building.

P.S. Being a Christian is not about whether you attend church or not, it is whether you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and into your heart.

All the best with your wedding!

Answer 14

Sure, talk to the clergy of the church you were baptized in, if that is close by, and see if he won't marry you there. Most protestant clergy will. I can not speak for Catholic clergy, since I am not one.

You may have to pay for the church, give a deposit, since you are not on the church roles as a member, but the cost shouldn't be too terrible.

and there are non-denominational churches out there that would be willing. Though probably not as many as here in the states.

Answer 15

I believe you can.  A lot of it depends on the Vicar of the Church.  You will probably have to attend a few services before the wedding just to show that you want to get married in church for the right reasons and not just cos you want all the trimmings that go with it.  You may also have to go for a couple of 'interviews' with the Vicar to show that you understand the seriousness of getting married in church.  Failing that you can always go to Vegas and get married in The Little Church of The West.  We did and it was great.!!

Answer 16

Depends what church, but most will allow you to as long as you have been baptized.  Some don't require baptism and some do, so if you want a specific church you will have to talk to them.  Almost ALL require premarital counselling.

Answer 17

Call up (or "ring up" as you say in the UK) a church and ask them!!  However, you must ask YOURSELF the question of why you now want to be married in a church?  Yes,

I am sorry, but you are being hypocritical.  IF, (and I also do believe) that you can worship and pray in your own way -- in your home, outdoors, etc., then why don't you choose a venue that is more suitable to your beliefs -- home, outdoors, etc.  

Churches do not exist solely for the purpose of those wanting a beautiful setting for their wedding.  The very existence of a church building is because those of us who support that particular faith regularly attend worship and contribute in order that the building can remain open.

Answer 18

Most C of E & Church in Wales / Scotland vicars will now ask that you have been confirmed before you can marry in church - it involves a few classes & a service with the local bishop.

As an aside, did you know that you cannot be refused to be married in your local parish church as long as you're not divorced with a spouse still living?

See here;

http://www.weddingguideuk.com/articles/l...