Weddings

We are so pleased you are considering getting married at St Agnes's. It is a beautiful place for a wedding – with arguably the finest Victorian church interior in the East of England, and a beautiful and well tended garden.

In the Church of England, couples can get married in a Church of England parish church if they have a qualifying connection to that parish. For example, they may have lived in the parish, or been baptized there. If no qualifying connection exists, sometimes one can be made by habitual attendance at public worship for a period of not less than six months. ('Habitual' in this context means coming to church for a service at least fortnightly.)

Marriage in the Church of England is not normally possible for those who have a previous spouse who is still living, though there are sometimes exceptional circumstances, and the minister will be able to explain these to you. Working out whether this is possible may involve a searching conversation about the past as well as the present, which we try to make as straightforward as possible, even if it may be uncomfortable. Sadly for many, the law currently prevents those in a same-sex relationship from marrying their same-sex partner in church, but we would be very happy to talk to you about having a liturgical celebration in church after a civil partnership or marriage.

It is important to underline that our rôle is to prepare you for a Christian marriage taking place using the words of the Church's legally required orders of service, rather than to plan a bespoke ceremony – though readings and music can, within reason, be chosen to reflect the wishes of those getting married. We are not a wedding venue, but a Christian church where pastoral offices take place. Our clergy have other responsibilities, and are not full-time. If you would prefer a more 'hands-on' or personal approach than this, you may prefer to get married in a register office or somewhere similar, and then approach us for prayer and dedication following a civil marriage, which we are always delighted to arrange.

To find out more, please contact the Minister using this site's 'Get in touch' facility.