arranging weddings

What are the qualifications for getting married in the parish?

The right to be married in a church depends upon one of three qualifications, either
1. That one of the couple lives within the parish boundary. A quick telephone call to our parish office 
  (0121 705 5350 - Mon-Thur : 9am-1pm, Fri : 9am-12 noon) will clarify this possibility, or
2. That the names of the couple are entered onto the Church Electoral Roll. This will mean that if you are
  not already on it you will need to become a frequent worshipper (at least twice monthly) for at
  least six months before your name can be entered onto the Roll. You should 'sign in' each time you
  come (a wedding can be booked before you are on the electoral Roll), or
3. That one of the couple can establish a 'qualifying connection'. Grounds are as follows:That the applicant was baptised or confirmed in the Parish, used to reside in the Parish or habitually attended public worship within the Parish.That one or both of the applicant's parents used to reside in the Parish or habitually attended public worship within the Parish.That the parent or grandparent of the applicnt was married within the Parish.

What if one or both have been married before and are divorced?
The usual pattern is that following an interview with the Rector it may be possible to arrange for a service of dedication following a civil ceremony, either on the day of the civil marriage or at a later date. We are very happy to discuss this further but please, do not assume that because you have arranged a day/time for the civil ceremony we can automatically meet your needs. Again, early contact is advisable.

WHICHEVER OPTION YOU MAY DECIDE TO FOLLOW, PLEASE MAKE NO ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING DATES OR HOTELS BEFORE CONTACTING THE PARISH OFFICE.

Can you outline the basic process?
1. Telephone the parish secretary for any general enquiries - 0121 705 5350, Mon¬-Thur : 9am – 1pm,
  Fri : 9am - 12 noon.
2. If it appears that one of you is resident in the Parish, is on the electoral roll, or may be eligible to be
  admitted to the roll, you will be asked to complete an application form and forward a non-
  refundable deposit of £100. An appointment will then be made for you as a couple to have an
  initial interview with the Rector, Fr Tim.
3. If it appears that one of you does not fulfil the criteria above but may have a qualifying connection, the
  appropriate forms will be sent to you. You should complete these and return them to the Parish
  Office with any required documentation. When these have been considered, you will be informed
  whether you have established a qualifying connection. If so, you will be asked to forward a non-
  refundable deposit of £100, and an initial interview with Fr Tim will be arranged.
4. At the initial interview, you will be given a wedding pack which will explain the further steps and
  contain all relevant paperwork.
5. The relevant documents should be returned to the parish office.
6. It is expected that couples wishing to be married in St Alphege will want to get to know the Christian
  community, begin worshipping regularly, and so become members of our community.
7. Six months prior to your wedding it is your responsibility to contact the parish secretary to arrange an
  appointment to meet with the priest who will preside at the service. The balance of monies due
  should be paid one month before the wedding. The priest will go through the service in detail and
  arrange for a rehearsal in church a few days before your wedding day. At the rehearsal you should
  bring with you, where relevant, a Certificate of Banns of Marriage, signed by the priest in whose
  parish they have been called. (This will have been explained at the initial interview: do not leave it
  until the last minute. When this is required by law, we cannot marry you without this
  documentation).