Barnston with Pensby logo  Christ Church Barnston with
 St Michael & All Angels Pensby
  Wirral, Merseyside, England
Diocese of Chester logo



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Barnston choirWedding enquiries
Legal stuff
The Church of England has legal rules which we have to follow. A couple is entitled to marry in Christ Church or St Michael's if:
  • they are both 18 or over
  • neither has a former spouse still living
  • they are both British citizens
  • at least one of them has a real connection with this parish, such as
    1. one of them usually lives in the parish;
    2. one of them regularly worships in the parish;
    3. one of them has a strong family connection with the parish such as being baptized here, or having parents who were married here.
When these conditions are fulfilled, we can perform the wedding. First, we have to announce the forthcoming wedding for three Sundays ("Calling the banns"). The banns also have to be called in the parish church of any other parish where one or both of the couple live. Once the banns have been called, the wedding can go ahead.

Exceptions?
  • A young person aged 16 or 17 can marry in Church, but he/she needs parental permission.
  • A person who is not a British citizen can marry in Church, but in this case the couple will usually need a marriage licence instead of calling banns. The parish office can advise you.
  • When one of the couple is divorced, and has a former spouse still living, we do not usually conduct a wedding service. However we are usually very pleased to conduct a Service of Blessing if the couple has married in a civil ceremony.Please ask if you think this may apply to you.
What do we have to do to book a wedding?
  • Contact the parish office [see the contact us page] and check that the date you want is available. When you make a booking you will be asked for your names, addresses, dates of birth, occupations, and your fathers' names and occupations. All this information will be needed for the marriage certificate.  
  • Come to worship in Church. Get a feel for the Church, and what happens here. It will make a big difference to your appreciation of your wedding day.
  • We will invite you to join other couples for our annual Marriage Preparation Day - usually a Saturday in late January or early February. The Preparation Day covers practical aspects of getting married, as well as helping you to think through how getting married will change your relationship.
  • Arrange to have your banns called in the parish where you live (if this is not Barnston with Pensby). 
  • As you prepare for your wedding, we will work with you on the details of the ceremony - for example, the choice of hymns and Bible reading. In the week before the wedding we will arrange a rehearsal to calm your nerves.
Fees
Wedding fees are fixed nationally by the Church of England, plus a local component for heating and lighting. The fees for 2010 are as follows:
  • Calling banns only (for an 'away match') £34
  • Marriage service, including 'home match' banns, organ, heating & lighting etc: £375
  • Choir: extra £50
Any questions?
Don't hesitate to contact us.