Weddings
Weddings at St Benet’s Church
We are delighted that you have chosen our beautiful church
for a perfect setting for the sacred ceremony of matrimony.
To be married at St Benet’s it is necessary for one of the partners
to be a baptised Catholic who lives in the parish. Other exceptions may be
accepted (e.g. you attend mass regularly here at St. Benet’s) However in
such cases written permission from your own parish priest is necessary.
Choosing a Date
Every effort will be made to accommodate your desired date and time.
It is usual to give six months notice. To avoid any disappointments, it is
important that dates are confirmed with the parish Priest before other
arrangements are booked.
Your Faith
As Catholics, we believe in the profound dignity of marriage. It is regarded
as a relationship of love, a life-long union. Jesus blesses you both in your
marriage and that is why we call it a Sacrament : a meeting with God in the presence
of family and friends.
Some Catholics may wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance (confession) before
the wedding. The priest will be happy to arrange this.
If Catholic, it is usual that you will have been confirmed before you are married.
Please mention it to the priest if you have not.
How to arrange your wedding
Get in touch with St. Benet’s and arrange to see the Parish Priest. He will
want to meet you and discuss your wedding plans. The priest can complete the
paperwork and explain the service to you.
Marriage Preparation
Because marriage is so important all couples are required to prepare fully_ not
just for the wedding itself, but for the married life you will enjoy together. For
this reason we have a marriage preparation day every year.
The date for 2009. Please contact us for more information.
If you cannot come then you must find a parish running a similar programme and
supply a letter to say that you attended. Without this letter you cannot be
married at St Benet’s.
This course is designed to help you think about what you are undertaking when
you marry. This is why it is obligatory for all those who are getting married here.
The course is led by married couples from the parish and the parish Priest. You
will be accompanied by other couples who are preparing for their wedding at St. Benet’s.
This day has proved a useful and popular way of looking at marriage and preparing for its challenges.
But I’m not a Catholic
If one of the couple are not Catholic or baptised some arrangements can be made.
Details can be discussed when you complete your Prenuptial Enquiry form.
What about children?
It is usual for the Catholic partner in the marriage to commit that children will be
brought up as Catholics. If either partner is uncertain about this commitment then please
discuss it with the parish priest.
Necessary Documents
If you are a Catholic: A recent copy of the Baptismal Certificate and d ‘Letter of Freedom’
from the church where you were baptised.
If you are not Catholic: Evidence of your baptism and a declaration by responsible persons that you are
free to marry.
Personalising the Ceremony
Flowers: You are welcome to provide your own.
Music
We can provide names for you to contact organists yourself. The Parish
Choir may be available The fee is £55.
The Folk Group may also be available, the fee is also £55
Fees are to be paid prior to the ceremony and placed in separate envelopes that
are clearly marked.
Recording
You are welcome to record your service but a licence is required. We can provide
an application form.
We do ask that the person operating the camera is discreet, and does not
obscure the view of the congregation.
Photographs
Once again, we request that photographers are discreet and do not disrupt the
service in any way. It is illegal to photograph the signing of the Civil Register
but these can be posed later.
Fees
Church and Registration Fees : £220
To apply: Obtain a leaflet from the parish office.
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