Thank
you for choosing Saint Mary the Virgin, Rowner, to get married
in – Congratulations upon your engagement to each-other.
Your Wedding Day is a very special day, and we will do all we
can to make sure that the celebration is memorable and enjoyable,
and relatively hassle-free. If you live in the Parish of Rowner,
then we are your Parish Church, and for centuries the church has
been involved in people’s important events. If you are not
sure if you live in the Parish, then enquire either by telephone
or email; or you can come and look at the Parish Map in the Porch
of the church, which is normally open during the day (so you can
come and see what the church looks like inside, if you do not
know it; this will help in planning the service).
If
you have a Qualifying Connection with the parish which will enable
you to be married here, you must meet with the Rector to discuss
this. It will be your responsibility to provide the documentary
evidence of connection (produce appropriate certificates of marriage,
christening or burial).
By choosing to get married in church, you
are showing, and we are assuming, that you want to do it in the
sight of God, in the House of God, and by a priest of God. The
vows that you will take are solemn and important, and we will
help you to understand them. Everyone who lives in the Parish
is entitled to be married in the church, and we never turn anyone
away, but you will want, we are sure, to become involved in the
life of the church, in order that you can fully appreciate the
commitment you are making. You will be surrounded in the church
by many other couples who have been married here, some recently,
and some for a very long time. Get to know them, and talk to them
about their relationship.
If
you have been married
once before,
and your previous spouse is still alive, then it is possible for
you to be married for a second time in church, and you should
arrange to see the Rector before deciding arrangements, to ensure
that this is possible.
If you do not live in the Parish, but have
a genuine link with the church, or have
been regular worshippers with us for a minimum of six months,
then it is possible for the ceremony to take place here. Again,
speak to the Rector first, to ensure that you are aware of the
commitment that is necessary before finalising your arrangements.
Obviously there is a cost to getting married,
even in church, so please look at the
Fees table which is attached. There are basic
costs which you will need to incur; there are added extras as
well. If you have any queries, please speak to Fr John or come
to the Church Office.
For
a smaller ceremony, with up to 24 guests, it may be possible to
use the Old section of the Church. Again, please speak to Fr John
about this first.
So, please come and see us to arrange
dates and find out more details. You can do this, without appointment,
any Monday evening (except Bank Holidays) at 6pm at the Church
Office in the Church Hall complex, or for a more detailed interview
with the Rector, please telephone him or email to arrange a time.
We
look forward to meeting you, having you with us in church, and
to your day of Celebration!
