The Marriage Measure

We understand that there are many couples who would like to marry in a church that has special significance for them, through family or other close connections. So from the 1st October 2008, the CofE has made it easier for couples to do just that.

From 1st October in order to marry in the parish church of a parish other than the one where you or your fiance/e are living, without the need for a Special Licence, you or your fiance/e will need to demonstrate just one of the following 'qualifying connections'.

That:

• One of you was baptised in the parish concerned (If you were baptised and confirmed at the same time, the provisions on confirmation rather than baptism apply)
• One of you has been confirmed, and was prepared for confirmation in the parish
• One of you has at any time lived in the parish for at least 6 months
• One of you has at any time regularly attended publis worship in the parish for at least 6 months

Or:

• One of your or your fiance/e's parents has lived in the parish for at least 6 months at any time after you were born (or, in the case of your fiance/e's parents, at any time after your fiance/e was born)
• One of your or your fiance/e's parents has regularly attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months at any time after you (or your finace/e) were born.
• A parent or grandparent of you or your fiance/e was married in the parish.

In all cases - i.e. worship, baptism, confirmation or marriage - this applies only to Church of England services.

Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections, we want to help you explore whether it may still be possible for you to marry in your special church. talk to your vicar well in advance to discuss the options open to you.