WEDDINGS
As long as one of you lives within the Parish of Buckhurst Hill, or are a regular worshipper and has not been married before, you can be married at St John’s.
There is now new criteria that may make you eligible to be married at St John’s, namely:
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If one of you was baptised in the parish; or has been confirmed and the confirmation has been entered in a church register book belonging to the parish; or has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months; or has at any time habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least six months;
OR
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If one of your parents has at any time during your lifetime: had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months; or habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months;
OR
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If one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish.
NB In this list, references to being baptised, confirmed or married, or attending public worship, all refer to Church of England services.
More details about the definitions involved can be found within the Church of England Marriage Measure 2008 legislation.
SPECIAL LICENCES
If neither party lives within the Parish or fulfils any of the other criteria, and there is a reason acceptable to the Archbishop’s Legal Advisers, it may be possible for you to apply for a Special Licence.
If one party is a non-UK national (from a country other than Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or the USA), a Common Licence must be obtained.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to find out more about getting married at St John’s Church, please contact the Parish Office on 020 8506 2150.
We are also delighted to offer a Christian ‘Celebration of Marriage Blessing’ service, for those who have been married in a civil ceremony. We try to make this as close as possible to the wedding service. Please contact Rev Ian Farley for more details.