Holy Matrimony, Christian Marriage, is a sacrament. Sacraments are signs God gives us as a way to receive his gifts and as a tangible assurance that we have received them.

In Matrimony, the sign is the vows the couple exchange in the presence of witnesses. Through marriage, God gives the couple many gifts. God unites husband and wife and blesses their common life, that they may grow together in love, wisdom, and godliness, patterned on the sacrificial love of Christ. A Christian marriage embodies this grace in the world, especially through hospitality and care for those who are lonely or in need.
Holy Matrimony is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, uniting them in self-giving love, joy, and faithfulness. God has given it to us for the sanctification of husband and wife, the mutual support of their common life, the procreation and spiritual nurture of children, and the flourishing of family, church, and society. It also signifies the relationship between Christ, the heavenly bridegroom, and the Church, his holy bride.

Photo used by permission. Photographer Jane-Louise Photography https://www.janelouisephotography.co.uk/

Photo used by permission. Photographer Jane-Louise Photography https://www.janelouisephotography.co.uk/

Photo used by permission. Photographer Jane-Louise Photography https://www.janelouisephotography.co.uk/

​
Getting married at St John’s
You can get married at St John’s Church if either you or your fiancé(e) live in our parish, or attend our church and are on our electoral roll. You may also be married here if you have a qualifying connection with our church, such as if a member of your family was baptized or married here.
To discuss getting married, please Contact  the clergy team.

Couples often have lots of questions, but here are some of the most common we get asked:

Can we have the church bells rung at our wedding? Can the choir sing at our wedding?
Yes. These are both optional extras; the choir and ringers need paying.

Can we have Holy Communion at our Wedding?
Yes. This is called a Nuptial Mass; it’s an ideal way to show how Christian marriage is built upon what Jesus has done for us.

My partner is not a Christian, can we still have a church wedding?
Yes. However, the service will always be a Christian one, with words that speak of the Christian faith. These words can not be changed and you can not omit certain words if you don’t wish to say them. We can meet and discuss the service and see if you would both feel comfortable with it on your wedding day.

I am divorced and my former spouse is still alive. Can we get married here?
The Church teaches that Christian marriage is lifelong; couples make vows ‘till death us do part’. It’s therefore not possible to get married if you have a former spouse still living.
​
We’re a same-sex couple. Can we get married here?
The Church teaches that Christian marriage is between one man and one woman. It’s therefore not possible to get married to a person of the same sex.