Weddings in the Akeman Benefice

The story of your relationship as a couple may have begun fairly recently or years ago. Either way, getting married is a whole new beginning for you, your family and others in your life.

Thinking About Marriage

Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual, just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in – the prayers, promises, and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.

On your wedding day, the bride and groom face each other, make promises, and receive God’s blessing. The congregation are witnesses of the marriage and express their support by their presence and their prayers.

wedding couple hold hands

Who can marry in the Akeman Benefice?

Normally you must be a bachelor, a spinster or widowed, and one or both of you must live in a parish in the Akeman Benefice or you need to have a qualifying connection with the parish. Connections include:

  • You were baptised in the parish
  • You were confirmed in the parish
  • Your parent or grandparent was married in the parish
  • You lived in the parish for at least six months
  • Your parent lived in the parish for at least six months
  • You have regularly attended worship in the parish for at least six months
  • Your parent regularly attended worship in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime.

If you live abroad, you will need a special licence.

The Church of England recognises that some marriages do fail for all sorts of sad and painful reasons. Therefore in certain circumstances we accept that a divorced person may marry again in church. Do please get in touch with your local priest to explore the possibilities for you.

Marriage Preparation

In the Akeman Benefice, we encourage couples planning to marry in one of our churches to attend our short marriage preparation course. Quite separate from planning for your wedding day, this takes a few hours over part of a weekend and offers practical suggestions and advice on strategies to build a firm foundation for marriage even for those who have lived together for years or been married before.

Based on an interactive DVD and allowing plenty of time for group discussion and conversation between each couple on their own, the course is run in a home where, with a meal and in a confidential and informal atmosphere, you can meet other couples preparing for married life, share experiences and pick up tips to help your future together.

wedding groom

 

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a wedding, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The Rev’d Gareth Miller
Rector of The Akeman Benefice
The Rectory
Troy Lane
Kirtlington
OX5 3HA

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1869 350224
Email: akemanbenefice@gmail.com

Download your booklet with full information on weddings by clicking on the icon below:

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You can see information on Akeman Benefice wedding fees here – please contact us for more infomation.