We are delighted that you are thinking about being married in the parish of Walmer.
We pray that we can make your preparations as easy as possible so that you enjoy the day and all your hopes for your future together are fulfilled.
The following notes should help you as you plan for the day
1. Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to check whether the date you want is convenient and to arrange for your banns to be read (this is the legal side of your marriage). If you or your partner live outside the parish banns will have to be read in the parish church there as well (a small charge will be made for this). The vicar there will give you a banns certificate that you will need to bring to your rehearsal.
2. You will need to choose two adult witnesses who will be present at the wedding.
3. You need to meet our administrator to talk through the service and decide what you would like.
- Music. You may choose 2 or 3 hymns and music for the entrance, during the signing of
the register, and at the end. You will need to speak to the organist about this either at
a preparation session or in church, especially if you would also like a choir.
- Service Sheet. We must see a draft of any that you create yourself.
- Bells. We have a band of ringers who will be happy to ring at your wedding.
- Flowers. Our own flower arrangers are also happy to help.
4. A rehearsal will be arranged for the week leading up to the wedding lasting about an hour. Please make sure your best man, bridesmaids, and anyone who might like to read attend.
5. You can have the service videoed but there will be an extra charge.
6. Fees/charges are listed below.
You will also be invited to a 'preparation' morning for couples. It will include
- discussion starters with your partner about issues that relate to married life
- an opportunity to reflect on the Christian element of marrying in church
- the chance to ask any questions you may have about church mweddings
Marriage in churches is controlled by the rules laid down by Canon law.
Canon B35(4) states that “When matrimony is to be solemnized in any church, it belongs to the minister of the parish to decide what music shall be played, what hymns or anthems shall be sung, or what furnishings or flowers should be placed in or about the church”.
Unless otherwise arranged with the vicar flowers will remain in church after the wedding.
Fees are set by the Church of England and are subject to change from year to year. The church has no power to waive statutory fees
A £50 deposit should be paid on confirmation of a wedding date. The remainder of the fees must be paid to the parish office in cash a month before the wedding.
| Service | Cheque | Cash | Total |
| Statutory | £285.50 | £285.50 | |
| Admin/Verger | £75.00 | £75.00 | |
| Organ (optional) | £125.00 | £125.00 | |
| Choir (optional) | £110.00 | £110.00 | |
| Bells (optional) | £130.00 | £130.00 | |
| If Videoed (optional) | £100.00 | £100.00 | |
| Heating (Oct-Mar) | £50.00 | £50.00 | |
| Total: | £875.50 | £875.50 |