FAQ Weddings

How soon do we need to book our wedding?

We would advise that you book at least 6 months in advance, but not more than 2 years ahead. We would also advise that you book your wedding reception before you approach us because although we do have a lot of weddings caterers, hotels etc. are usually more busy than we are.

We do not live in your Parish but would like to marry in your church, is that possible?

Legally you have to live in the Parish where you are to be married but there are obviously many reasons why you want to be married in one of our churches. The residency rules have recently been changed to accommodate some of these reasons. You can now get married in any church if you were baptized there, if you are on the confirmation register of the church, if you have lived in the Parish for at least 6 months or if you have attended worship in the church for 6months. You can also get married in any church if your parents or grandparents were married there or if your parents have lived or worshipped at the church for 6 months. Please do contact Beverley if you have any problems with this

One of us or both of us are divorced can we still marry in your church?

We do marry people who have been married before but this is at the rector’s discretion and you will need to be interviewed by him. The Rector interviews all wedding couples and has the final say as to whether the wedding will take place. He usually does this after the paperwork has been completed by Beverley.

How much will the wedding cost?

The basic cost for the wedding service this year, 2008, was £254 but this rises each year. These costs are set by our Diocese. Additional costs are charged for

An organist - who you really have to have.
A verger - who is the person who prepares the church for your service and which you really have to have too.
The church choir -who are based at Botley but who do come and sing in Durley or Curdridge if you so wish.
The bells.

When do we pay?

We take a deposit of £100 in cash or as acheque when you book the wedding and the rest is paid on the day of your wedding rehearsal whis is a day or so before the actual wedding.

One of us is Roman Catholic is that a problem?

No that is fine by us.

Do we have to undergo any preparation?

Yes you do. We have 2 sessions held early in the year.
One is a Sunday afternoon when you can meet all the people involved in the mechanics of your wedding such as the clergy, the music director, the choir, the flower guilds and the organists.
The second is a whole Saturday when we help you to look at what being married means and what actually happens during the wedding service. These sessions also enable you to meet all the other couples who are to be married in the year which is very useful if they are getting married on the same day as you so that you can discuss sharing flowers etc. We can do up to 3 weddings on any given day.
We do like you to attend both of these sessions.

Does our wedding have to be on a Saturday?

No it does not. However if you choose to have your wedding on any other day it will limit the number of bellringers and choir who are available.

If there are any other queries please contact Beverley otherwise the next step is to come to the church office in All Saints Church Botley on a Thursday between 6-7.30pm to fill in the paperwork and book the date! We do like an initial deposit of £100 to hold the date for you.