WEDDINGS
SEEING GOD CHANGE LIVES
WELCOME TO OUR WEDDING PAGE
Welcome to our wedding page! We hope that you will find everything you need here to help you in your thinking and planning.
We’re delighted that you’re considering getting married at St Mary’s. Our beautiful church in the heart of Reigate offers a stunning setting for your special day, surrounded by prayer, tradition, and love.
We love weddings here and believe in marriage so much. Your wedding is more than just a one-day celebration. It’s the start of a lifelong journey together and we want to do all that we can to support you in it all, on your wedding day and for your future marriage. We’re here to help you plan a meaningful ceremony and prepare for a marriage that flourishes in love and faith.
WHY GET MARRIED IN CHURCH?
WE THINK IT'S THE BEST
A Sacred Setting
Begin your marriage in a place where God’s presence is at the heart of your commitment. The beauty and sanctity of our church provide a space for deep spiritual connection as you exchange your vows.A Ceremony Just for You
Your wedding day is unique, and a church ceremony allows you to personalize your service with meaningful readings, hymns, and prayers that reflect your journey together and your faith.A Community to Support You
Marriage is a lifelong journey, and our church family is here to support you through prayer and encouragement—not just on your wedding day, but throughout your life together.Timeless and Beautiful Traditions
Be part of a heritage that celebrates love, faith, and commitment. A church wedding weaves your story into the fabric of Christian tradition, connecting you to something bigger than yourselves.- God at the Centre
Invite God to be at the heart of your marriage from the very beginning. A church wedding is a way to acknowledge and celebrate the spiritual dimension of your relationship, seeking God’s blessing for your future together.
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AT ST MARY'S
FIRST STEPS | CAN I GET MARRIED HERE?
You don’t need to be a regular churchgoer to marry at St Mary’s, but as being married in church is legally binding in UK law there are some legal factors to consider.
Couples often qualify if:
- One of you lives in the parish or has a family connection to the church.
- You’ve attended worship here regularly for six months.
To check your eligibility, visit the Church of England’s wedding requirements page.
DO ANY OF THESE APPLY TO YOU?
You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show
That one of you:
- has at any time lived in the parish of St Mary’s for a period of at least 6 months, or
- was baptised (christened) in our parish, or
- is confirmed and your confirmation was entered in the register of confirmations in the parish, or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish for a period of at least 6 months
or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months, or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish for a period of at least 6 months
or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
- was married in the parish
there's more
And did you know that if you move house, you’re immediately connected to the church there? That means you can marry in the church of your new parish.
In all cases involving church services – i.e. going to normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage – this applies only to Church of England services.
If you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections, you could create one, simply by attending worship with us here at St Mary’s at least once a month for six consecutive months. If you decide to do this, leave enough time after your attendance for the banns to be read before your wedding too – about another two months should be enough.
MAKING A BOOKING
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
There’s lots to organise and so we recommend booking your date with us as early as possible. Contact our office to arrange for a first chat or email our team to start the ball rolling.
The team will help lead you through the process and also a meeting with one of our clergy. This is a chance to discuss your plans, understand the legal requirements, and begin preparing for your ceremony.
SEEING GOD
CHANGE LIVES
PERSONALISING YOUR CEREMONY
MAKING THE DAY SPECIAL
From readings and hymns to the vows and prayers, your wedding will be tailored to your preferences while honouring the Christian tradition. Check out the Church of England’s excellent ‘Your Church Wedding’ site.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
THE LIFE-LONG JOURNEY
We’re passionate about helping you build a strong foundation for married life. As part of our offer, we invite all couples to attend a wedding preparation morning where we don’t only go through the wedding service, but also explore:
- The meaning of Christian marriage.
- Communication and conflict resolution.
- Practical ways to nurture your relationship.
A PICTURE OF GOD
marriage means so much
While a wedding is one of life’s great moments, it is also a time of solemn commitment. As well as good wishes, feasting and joy, it is also a sacred moment of commitment and promise. In his gospel, St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine.
Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.
On their wedding day the bride and bridegroom face each other, make their promises and receive God’s blessing, with witnesses of the marriage expressing support through their presence and prayers.
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13.4-7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BUT ASK US IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT ANYTHING
- How much does it cost to get married at St Mary’s?
Fees vary depending on your choices (e.g., flowers, organist, bell-ringing), but click here as a place to start - If we are already married can we receive a blessing in the church?
We would love to talk with you more about the possibility of a service of celebration, or a reaffirmation of wedding vows, so do get in touch. The Prayers of Love and Faith, however, will not be used at St Mary’s Church. - What if one of us is divorced?
We offer weddings for divorced people on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss your situation. - What if we are a same-sex couple?
Although same-sex marriage legislation has changed, it remains the case that it is not legally possible for same-sex couples to marry in the Church of England. - Can we involve our family and friends in the service?
Absolutely! Readers, musicians, and others are welcome to take part.