Weddings
Congratulations! We are delighted that you are planning to get married in our church which is a beautiful listed building, perfect for a traditional church wedding. Our friendly team has years of experience in helping couples to plan their big day and can't wait to help make yours extra special. Below is some basic information of which you need to be aware at this stage.
Can I get married at Knowle Parish Church?
Christian marriage is a religious and family celebration. There are certain legal requirements that have to be met in order to get married at our church: one of you either has to live in the parish or have a 'qualifying connection'. Click here to find out what's meant by a 'qualifying connection'.
If you are a divorcee, you will need to meet with a member of our clergy team before a wedding could be booked. This can be arranged through the Parish Office.
Your wedding banns will be read at the 9.30 service on 3 Sundays during the 12 weeks before your wedding. If either of you lives outside the parish, you will also need to arrange for your banns of marriage to be read in the C of E church in the parish where you live. It is your responsibility to arrange this with your local church and to provide us with a certificate from that church showing this has been done. If either of you lives outside England, it is necessary to be married by licence, in which case there is no need for the reading of banns. It is your responsibility to obtain this licence.
Marriage Preparation
To help you prepare for marriage, couples are expected to attend a 'Marriage Preparation Course'. This is usually held in March and covers communication, expectations, intimacy and conflict as well as the wedding service itself.
How do I decide on all the details of the service?
We run a Wedding Morning in February each year at which you can talk to the people who manage various aspects of your wedding service (eg clergy, florist, organist, bell ringers) and they will help you to make decisions about the details of the service. At that morning you will also complete a banns form and book a wedding rehearsal. Rehearsals last about 30 minutes and take place during the week before your wedding.
How much will it cost?
It depends on how many ‘extras’ you want! The basic minimum covers the cost of administration, use of the building, and fees for verger, clergy and Diocese. The fees increase with each extra element booked eg organist, choir, bell ringers, etc.
How can I find out more?
If you are resident in the parish or have a qualifying connection, please call the Parish Office: 01564 779123 or e-mail: office@kpc.org to request an application form, talk about dates and find out more.