Christ Church Parish Office, 2 Christ Church Courtyard, London Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6GL christchurchstleonards@hotmail.co.uk 01424 44 77 84
SUNDAY - Mass Times
8am , 9.30am (Family Mass), 10:30am (Sung Mass) 10:30am Mass Also Live Streamed to Facebook
Getting Married
If you are looking to get married – congratulations!
Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in - the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.
The information below answers many of the common questions people have about where they can be married, but if you have any other questions or would like to discuss the ceremony please contact one of our clergy.
Can I be married at Christ Church?
Weddings are governed by the law of the land and Church law. You need to check that neither you nor the person you hope to marry are subject to immigration controls and/or have overstayed your visa; and one of you is ‘connected’ to the parish according to the rules of the Church of England
If one of these criteria seems to be a problem in your case, don’t panic. Read the information below and feel free to contact us if you need to know more. We will require documentary proof of these things and may have to refer you to other agencies or authorities (such as the Registrar or the Home Office) in case of doubt, particularly with regard to immigration status.
How can I be connected with Christ Church?
You can marry in a Church Cf England Church such as Christ Church if you can show that one of you has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or was Baptized in the parish concerned or was prepared for Confirmation in the parish or has at any time gone to normal Church services in the parish Church at least once a month for a period of at least six months or that one of your parents, at any time after you were born has lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or has regularly gone to normal Church services in the parish Church for a period of at least six months or that one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish
Are there any exceptions to these conditions?
Yes. In certain circumstances a Special Licence may be granted for couples who cannot attend the Church on a regular basis
I (or my partner) are subject to immigration controls or have overstayed a visa
The Church of England is obliged to uphold the law as to who can marry in the UK, which includes the visa status of non-E.U. citizens and the Immigration Act 2004 as amended. People who enter the UK on a visa and wish to marry an E.U. citizen must have permission to do so as part of their visa, and their visa must be current. Marrying in the Church of England is not a way of evading the requirements of the law or the consequences of having overstayed a visa, because the legal requirements must be satisfied before the marriage can take place. We advise anyone who wishes to seek to get married at Christ Church, or any other Church of England parish church to resolve any immigration and other visa issues before approaching us. You may have to be referred to the Superintendent Registrar or the Home Office to obtain the correct paperwork and permissions.
Is there anything specific which will prevent me from getting married at Christ Church?
Yes. If either of you has a divorced partner still living, then you will not be able to be married at Christ Church.
What is a ‘parish’?
Each Church of England Church serves an area called a parish. It has fixed boundaries and you can check which parish you live in by visiting http://www.achurchnearyou.com/ and searching with your postcode.
Because of the variety in size and shape of parishes, the Church of England Church you are nearest may not be your parish Church, especially in large cities.
How much does it cost?
Please see the Church of England table of fees
Church of England Parish Fees Page
Banns of Marriage
Banns of marriage must be read if you are married in church. They are an opportunity for someone to raise legal objections to a marriage, e.g., one of the couple is too young. If you wish to marry at Christ Church or you live in the parish but are getting married elsewhere in most cases you will be required have your Banns ‘read’ at Christ Church. Please contact us to arrange an appointment to do the necessary paperwork.
Please see a member of the clergy of our parish for further information on Banns of Marriage and for the Banns of Marriage application form, or you may like to download it via this link Banns Application Form
What preparation is required?
Marriage is a wonderful and important part of your life. If you want to be married at Christ Church you will be asked to make a commitment to regular worship as part of your preparation for Christian Marriage. You will be shown how the service works and how to prepare a service booklet. There will also be a full rehearsal in the week before your wedding.
