Weddings & Banns

Marrying in church is personal, meaningful, spiritual and beautiful, just as you want it to be.

 

Let us help you make your day special.

 

In 2008 the rules on getting married in a particular church were simplified.

 

An engaged couple can be married in one of the churches if: 

  • one of them was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish;
  • one of them has 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 in the parish church for six months or more in their child’s lifetime;
  • their parents or grandparents were married in the parish church. 

 For those living further afield it is possible to marry in one of the Theydon Parishes if you:

  • Regularly attend church services; by attending 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.

 All of the above apply if both parties are either UK nationals or resident in the Republic of Ireland. 

 

Marriage services can be arranged for any day of the week. 

 

There is only ever one wedding booked on a particular day in a particular church so it is possible, for example, to have floral decoration to your particular taste. 

 

All churches have car parking facilities, toilets and extensive grounds where photographs can be taken.

 

Please use the 'Contact Us' page for an informal chat about your wedding ideas.

 

Fees

Getting married in a Church might be cheaper than you think. 

 

The standard fees are set by the Church of England every year, and you then have options to also pay for extras: an organist, a choir, flowers, etc.

 

Please use the 'Contact Us' page to enquire about relevant fees. 

 

Banns of Marriage

Most Church of England marriages require banns to be read out in church before the wedding can take place.  Although a legal requirement, banns can be a special occasion too.

 

Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives as well as the church in which you are to be married, if that is somewhere else.

 

 

You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is usually done over three consecutive Sundays but does not have to be.

 

As well as being a legal requirement, your banns readings are special public occasions when people in church hear of your intention to marry. It’s an exciting and happy time, so you’re welcome to invite your family and friends to hear your banns too, if you’d like.

 

If there is not enough notice given for the banns to be read before the marriage is due to take place, or if one or both of you are British but do not live in England (or Wales), the Common Licence procedure needs to be used rather than banns.

 

If one or both of you is a national of a country which is outside the European Economic Area, you will require a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate to marry, rather than have banns read.

 

Please use the 'Contact Us' page to enquire about Banns of Marriage

 

Reception Venues

Church Halls - Our church halls offer a simple and affordable option for your reception and can accommodate a small seated reception.  Please use the 'Contact Us' page and someone will be in touch.

 

Gaynes Park - All Saints Theydon Garnon has a connection and history with the Chisenhale-Marsh family who own Gaynes Park, Essex (please view our History section of the website) and are therefore delighted to recommend Gaynes Park as a beautiful reception venue to compliment your wedding in our Grade 1 listed Church. The Barns and Orangery at Gaynes Park, which became the National Winner for ‘Best Venue’ in the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards is situated approximately 2 miles from the Church.

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

 

Theydon Bois Village Hall - Couples getting married in Theydon Bois have also used the Theydon Bois Village Hall as a reception venue.

For further information, please visit their website: https://theydonbois-pc.gov.uk/village-hall/