Weddings

Wedding FAQs

How soon do we need to book our wedding?

We would advise that you book at least 6 months in advance, but not more than 2 years ahead. We would also advise that you book your wedding reception before you approach us because although we do have a lot of weddings, caterers, hotels etc. are usually more busy than we are.

We do not live in your Parish but would like to marry in your church, is that possible?

Legally you have to live in the Parish where you are to be married but there are obviously many reasons why you want to be married in one of our churches. The residency rules have recently been changed to accommodate some of these reasons. You can now get married in any church if you were baptized there, if you are on the confirmation register of the church, if you have lived in the Parish for at least 6 months or if you have attended worship in the church for 6months. You can also get married in any church if your parents or grandparents were married there or if your parents have lived or worshipped at the church for 6 months. Please do contact Beverley if you have any problems with this.

One of us or both of us are divorced, can we still marry in your church?

We do marry people who have been married before but this is at the Rector’s discretion and you will need to be interviewed by him. The Rector interviews all wedding couples and has the final say as to whether the wedding will take place. He usually does this after the paperwork has been completed by Beverley.

How much will the wedding cost?

The basic cost for the wedding service this year, 2012, is £287.50 but this rises each year. These costs are set by our Diocese. Additional costs are charged for:

    • An organist - who you really have to have.
    • A verger - who is the person who prepares the church for your service and which you really have to have too.
    • The church choir -who are based at Botley but who do come and sing in Durley or Curdridge if you so wish.
    • The bells.

If you have everything the total cost this year comes to £646.

When do we pay?

We take a deposit of £100 in cash or as a cheque when you book the wedding and the rest is paid on the day of your wedding rehearsal, which is a day or so before the actual wedding.

One of us is Roman Catholic, is that a problem?

No that is fine by us.

Do we have to undergo any preparation?

Yes you do!
We have two sessions that we like you to attend:
The first one is usually held annually at All Saints’ Botley on the first Sunday in February from 3 – 5pm. You will be able to meet all of the people involved in the mechanics of your wedding – the clergy, the music director, the flower guilds, the organists and the choir.
We also have “Space to think” sessions which are literally a time to think about what marriage means, what your service will involve and the vows you about to take.
We have three of these two hour sessions spaced throughout the year. We do like you to attend both of these sessions.

Does our wedding have to be on a Saturday?

No it does not. However if you choose to have your wedding on any other day it will limit the number of bellringers and choir who are available.

If there are any other queries please contact Beverley otherwise the next step is to come to the church office in All Saints Church Botley on a Thursday between 6-7.30pm to fill in the paperwork and book the date! We do like an initial deposit of £100 to hold the date for you..