Weddings, Baptisms and Funeral Services

In 2008 the rules on getting married in a particular church were simplified (www.yourchurchwedding.org).

 

The changes will mean an engaged couple can be married at St. Michael's Theydon Mount or St. Mary's Stapleford Tawney respectively if just one of these applies:

• one of them was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish;
• one of them has ever lived in the parish for six months or more;
• one of them has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more;
• one of their parents has lived in the parish for six months or more in their child’s lifetime;
• one of their parents has regularly attended public worship there for six months or more in their child’s lifetime;
• their parents or grandparents were married in the parish.

 

For those living outside the area it is possible to marry here if you:

• Regularly attend. By attending church regularly for a minimum of once a month for six months you can become eligible to be married by banns as if you lived in the Parish.
• Common Licence. This requires one of you reside in the parish for a minimum of 15 days before the issue of the Licence. Application can be made to the Diocesan Registrar or a local clergyman acting as a Surrogate for marriages.
• Special Licence. Application can be made to the Archbishop of Canterbury for a Special Licence. This is an exceptional means and is only advised when there are good pastoral links with the church in which you wish to marry.

For further information please read the Church of England's 'Life Events' section on Weddings.

 

To make arrangements or to ask questions please use the 'Contact Us' button below.

 

Fees

The basic fee for a wedding (at all Church of England churches) is £456.

In addition, there may be other extras you wish to have as part of your wedding service that can be provided;

Organist £80 (doubled if videoed)

 

If you live outside of the parish, you would also need to arrange Banns to be called locally where you live at your own cost (an additional £28)

 

Church flower arrangers can arrange the flowers in church or a florist can be brought in. If you would prefer to use our services then you would be required to pay for the cost of the flowers plus an agreed donation to the Church.

 

There is a deposit of £150 on booking and the balance is paid by the time of the wedding rehearsal.

 

Both churches have extensive grounds where photographs can be taken and St Michael's Theydon Mount has a large car park.

 

Reception Venue

The Benefice has had a close relationship with the family who own the estate of Gaynes Park, Essex. We are therefore delighted to recommend Gaynes Park as a beautiful reception venue to compliment your wedding in either of our churches. The Barns and Orangery at Gaynes Park, which became the National Winner for ‘Best Venue’ in the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards is situated just a few miles from either Church.

 

For further information regarding Gaynes Park, please visit their website: www.gaynespark.co.uk

 

Please use the ‘Contact Us’ button below with your details and questions and we will respond as soon as possible.