If you are planning to get married and are considering a Methodist church, here are guidelines to help you.
Congratulations!
Please use the contact us link to get in touch with our minister – they will explain the next steps and any legalities that need to be fulfilled.
On 30 June 2021, and following prayerful consideration by the whole Church, the Methodist Conference voted to confirm provisional resolutions on same sex marriages conducted on Methodist premises or by Methodist office-holders. Each church then had its own conversation about conducting same sex marriages and our church was registered for same sex marriages in February 2024.
One of us is divorced. Is that OK?
The rules and laws relating to divorce are not made by the church but by the State.
The Methodist Church is generally willing to marry people who have been divorced, while their previous spouse is still alive, as long as there are not major obvious reasons why it would be inappropriate to do so.
The Methodist Church does not argue that the grounds for divorce should be changed from the present ones. We would certainly encourage a couple going through difficulties in their relationship to seek advice, counselling and support to see if they can rebuild it. We would also expect people to take very seriously their responsibilities to any children of the marriage.
Does one of us have to be a Methodist?
People wanting to marry in church don’t have to be members of the church, but most ministers will ask them why they wish to marry in church. A church marriage is a solemn Christian ceremony, with prayers and Bible readings reflecting Christian understandings of what marriage is about. Whilst people wishing to marry in a Methodist church do not need to be church members, most ministers will look for a genuine desire on the part of a couple to take their marriage seriously along the lines set out in the service. Discussing what this means in practice will be part of the marriage preparation.
What if we are from two different denominations?
Many marriages in Methodist churches include people from different Christian denominations. Where two people from different church traditions marry, it is quite common for ministers from both churches to take part in the ceremony. This is welcomed. Sometimes, people from different faiths marry – and there is advice available for such marriages.
Is there a fee charged for getting married in your church?
As of the 1st January 2026 the fee for getting married in our church will be £360.00. This fee may be reviewed.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more please use contact us link.
