Do I need to live in the parish? 

The rules changed in October 2008 as regards to the "qualifications" for marrying in church. 

To  be married in St. Mary’s Widford, you will need to be a resident in our parish, a member of our church (this entails coming regularly for at least six months and joining the “Electoral Roll” for which you need to be baptised) or from October 2008, if there is a family tie to Widford Parish. 

By ‘family tie’ it means one of the following:-

·   If one of you has ever lived in the parish for at least six months.

·  If one of you has at any time regularly worshipped in the parish for at least six months.

·  If one of you was baptised or went through a confirmation course in the parish.

·  If one of your parents has lived in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime.

·  If one of your parents has regularly attended worship in the parish for more than six months during your lifetime.

·  If your parents or grandparents were married in the parish.

What if I am divorced?

If you are divorced, please contact the Rector to talk through the options available.

What about a service of Thanksgiving and Blessing?

This service is very similar to the wedding service.  Due to the fact that it is  not  a  legal  ceremony,  the  rules regarding residence do not apply and you will need to have a legal ceremony in a register office first. 

Do I need to be baptised?

No, however, if you live outside our parish and don’t have a “family tie”, one of you does need to be baptised in order to be on the Electoral Roll.

What do I do next?

Please contact our Rector Dave Robbins on 01245 346 329

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