WeddingsHowever, there is now the potential of marrying in a church building of a parish where one of the couple is not resident or a worshipping member but has a qualifying connection.
A person/s has a Qualifying Connection with a parish if: The person/s concerned, was baptised in the parish. (This does not apply where the baptism formed part of a combined service of baptism or confirmation); or had his or her confirmation entered in a church register book of a church or chapel in the parish; or has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months; or has at any time habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months; or a Parent of that person has at any time during that person’s lifetime: had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months; or habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months; or. a Parent or Grandparent of that person was married in the parish. In all these cases/In all cases involving church services - i.e. coming to/going to/attending normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage - this applies only to Church of England services. If either of the couple has been married before and is divorced, then each priest has the right not to officiate, and each application needs to be considered on its own merit. If you wish to rely on the qualifying connection or have been divorced then it is most important to speak to a member of the clergy BEFORE you commit to any arrangements. |
