Some couples who have had a civil wedding ceremony may later choose to dedicate their marriage in a church through a Wedding Blessing.
There are two main types of Wedding Blessings, depending on individual circumstances: a Service of Prayer and Dedication or a Renewal of Marriage Vows.
Service of Prayer and Dedication
Recently married couples can have their marriage blessed in a church regardless of whether their initial ceremony took place in the UK or abroad. For those who marry overseas, a Wedding Blessing may provide an opportunity for family and friends who could not attend the original ceremony to participate in a celebration. Historically, this service was used when either spouse was divorced but still sought a religious blessing for their marriage. While it is now possible in many situations for divorced individuals to remarry in a church, a Wedding Blessing remains available either due to specific circumstances that prevent a church wedding or by personal choice.
Renewal of Marriage Vows
Long-married couples may choose to renew their vows to celebrate major anniversaries or reaffirm commitment after challenges. This ceremony allows them to restate promises and, if desired, receive a religious blessing for the future.
Both the Service of Prayer and Dedication and the Renewal of Marriage Vows are available in parish churches, with services tailored to suit the preferences and needs of those participating.
What are the services like?
Both are simple services acknowledging the commitment you have already made between husband and wife and asks for God’s blessing and guidance in your future life together.
Because it is not a marriage service, there are no legalities to consider. Banns are not required, there is not usually an exchange of rings (although new rings can be blessed, for example if one has been lost or no longer fits) and there is no signing of Marriage Documents.
It can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells if you would like that. Alternatively, it can be an intimate, low-key service. If you want to do so, it can just be the two of you and the Vicar. Please be advised that the fees for the Organist and Bell Ringers are consistent with those charged for weddings.
The service itself has no statutory fee (because it is not a legal service) but we usually ask couples to make a donation to help support the ongoing life and ministry of the church. We usually suggest £150 as an appropriate amount, but we recognise everyone’s circumstances differ. If you cannot afford that donation, it’s fine. We only ask that everyone give according to their means.
You may wish to include an organist and/or bells for the service. These are charged at the same rate as weddings.
You can have a blessing in any of our three parish churches if the church and the Vicar are free on your preferred date. There are no restrictions based on where you live, or your level of previous church attendance.
Many couples choose this service when one or both partners are remarrying after divorce. If this is your situation, talk things through with our Vicar who can offer guidance on remarrying in church or having a blessing.
What’s our next step?
If you would like to explore your options and perhaps book a date for a Blessing, please contact our Benefice Administrator, Debbie Hall efloffice3@gmail.com 01322 863050 (Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-12pm).