The Parish of St Andrew and St Mark, Surbiton

The Church of England, with its unique historical part in this country, offers any resident the possibility of marriage in the local parish church. This is a religious celebration of the union of man and woman in lifelong fidelity and also a marriage in law. We can offer you a ceremony that places the holy and intimate alongside the legal and public.

Marriage in church can be legally contracted in one of these ways:

Marriage by banns

If one of the parties is a resident in the parish, or has a 'qualifying connection' with the parish – for example, be on the electoral roll, or with a close relation who is resident, there is a right to be married in the parish church. However this is not the process to be followed for those parties with a non-EEU nationality. Details of the parties concerned will be taken so that the banns can be called. This is done at the morning service on three Sundays within 3 months of the date of the marriage.

Marriage by Common Licence

One of the parties must be a resident in the parish. The Vicar will advise if this is appropriate and then the couple must make an appointment with a local priest who has special authority to issue the licence through the registrar.

Marriage by Special Licence

The Archbishop of Canterbury may grant a licence for marriage at any convenient place in England, but this right is only offered when good pastoral reasons can be produced. Application can be made both through the priest who would officiate and also those responsible for the chosen building for the ceremony. Application is then be made through the Registrar. A considerable fee is payable.

If either of the parties is divorced then the vicar must first be consulted – but this is not necessarily an impediment.

The Next Step

If you decide to marry here, the Vicar will want to do all possible to make your wedding truly special and the best start for your married life. We offer personal and private meetings – normally meet at least twice to plan the celebration. It is the couple who 'take the service' under direction of the priest, so you will be invited to make selections of readings, prayers and music if this is required. You might also want friends or family to assist. We do all we can to be flexible , while keeping the forms for the vows that are set by the Church. You will no doubt come to hear the banns read at the Parish Eucharist on Sunday and you will be included in the prayers.

The Service

Marriages can be contracted in church between 10am and 6pm. The time will be agreed with the Vicar.

A statutory Church of England fee is payable, covering the service, use of the church and all legal fees. At present this is around £360. There is an additional fee for other costs, such as heat and light.

In addition it is possible to arrange:

Music

Please speak directly to the director of music Derek Barford to arrange hymns and music. A fee will be payable. If you wish we can also provide a choir and /or instrumentalists.

Flowers

We have excellent arrangers. We would put you in contact with the flower rota convenor. Charges vary according to your plans.

Photography

We will make clear when and where photographs are allowed. If you want to make any recording, then notice must be given and an additional fee is payable.

Participants in the Service

The bride will choose those people she wishes to assist as bridesmaids, or pages; it is helpful for the Vicar to meet the chief bridesmaid at a rehearsal.

The bridegroom will choose his best man, who should certainly be available at a rehearsal.

Rehearsal

We will ask for a rehearsal a few days before the ceremony, and the fees will be paid at that time.

We assure you that we will do all we can to make this occasion the best day for you and with every blessing.

Marriage at the Parish Church

"God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them." - 1 John: 4,16

We are delighted that you are thinking about marriage in our Church.

Legal Preliminaries