If you are thinking about getting married in one of our beautiful churches, firstly, congratulations! We would be delighted to share your special day and make it as blessed an experience as is possible.
Here is some key information to get you started.
1. You need legally to have a qualifying connection to the Saxon Shoreline Benefice. This normally means that you live within the boundaries of one of the seven parishes that make up the Benefice. There are other ways you can qualify. Click on the link to find out the full list of qualifying connections. Qualifying-Connection.pdf
2. Please get in direct contact with Revd Geoff, the Rector of Saxon Shoreline Benefice either by email ([email protected]) or by his work mobile (07743 598896). He will arrange with you an initial meeting.
3. At the initial meeting (formally called Marriage Preliminaries), Revd Geoff will do the initial checks required by civil law, namely the establishment of your identity, nationality and place of residence. This is done by checking ID photo documents (passport and/or current photo Driving License) and proof of address (Driving Licence or bill/bank statement) which you need to bring with you for the initial meeting. Revd Geoff will then explain the processes required to plan and organise your church wedding, including the reading of the Banns, the Church fees (set nationally by the Church of England) and the nature of the Marriage service itself.
4. Nearer the proposed wedding date, you will meet once more with Revd Geoff for Marriage Instruction and to finalise the details of the Marriage Service (music, readings, flowers etc). The Marriage Instruction lasts about 30 minutes and is a chance for Revd Geoff to informally explain the Christian understanding of marriage and the significance of various aspects of the Marriage Service. It is also a chance for Revd Geoff to get to know you as a couple. The meeting overall usually takes about an hour.
Please look at this link on the Church of England website to obtain further information: