Congratulations if you're visiting the website because you've just got engaged!

We love weddings, and we're always delighted to welcome couples who choose to get married in the parish.

Marriage is the sacramental rite of the church in which a man and a woman "enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfil their vows". The union is understood to be intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. At the Declaration of Consent, both persons promise to love, comfort, honour, and keep their spouse, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to their spouse as long as they both live.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who can get married at St Mary's or St Matthew's?

A: you can get married at St Mary's or St Matthew's if...

1. the bride or groom lives in the parish. 
2. the bride or groom is on the church electoral roll 
3. the bride or groom has a ‘qualifying connection’ with the church which you can prove with documentary evidence – either: you were baptized at St Mary's or St Matthew's, or you were confirmed at St Mary's or St Matthew's, or your parents or grandparents were married at St Mary's or St Matthew's, or you lived in the parish for at least six months, but have since moved away, or your parents lived in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime, or you worshipped regularly (i.e. most weeks) at St Mary's or St Matthew's for at least six months, or your parents worshipped regularly (i.e. most weeks) at St Mary's or St Matthew's for at least six months during your lifetime.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The fees for 2023 (including the verger and an organist) are £695. There are additional costs if you would like the bells rung (£110).

Q: What are banns of marriage?

A: Banns are a public announcement of your intention to get married.

• Your banns will be read on three Sundays at the main Mass of the day (09.30 am), usually in the month before your wedding. If either of you lives outside the parish, you will also need to arrange for your banns to be read in the parish(es) where you live. The Parish Priest will provide you with a banns certificate which we must see before your wedding can take place.

Q: We live in this Parish, but we are getting married at another church. How do we arrange for our banns to be read?

A: Contact our Parish Office and we will send you an application form.

• We will let you know when your banns are to be read so you can come and hear them. Afterwards, we will provide a certificate which you will need to show to the priest at the church where you will be getting married. There is a statutory fee for reading banns of marriage.