You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show that one of you:

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• has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months, or

• was baptised (christened) in the parish concerned, or

• is confirmed and your confirmation was entered in the register of confirmations for a church or chapel in the parish (this will usually be the case if you were prepared for confirmation in the parish), or

• has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 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 6 months, or

• has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months

 

or

That one of your parents or grandparents:

• was married in the parish

 

If you move house, you’re automatically connected to the church there?  That means you can marry in the church of your new parish.

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If none of the above apply, you may still be eligible if you attend St Stephen's services regularly for a period of time (usually around six months), as agreed with the Vicar.  

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SAME SEX COUPLES

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Although same-sex marriage was made legal in England and Wales by the passing of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, The Church of England and Church in Wales sought exemption from the law, and as a result it is not legally possible to celebrate same-sex marriages in our church at this time.

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For more information about arranging a wedding at St Stephen's, contact us.

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