You've decided to get married? Congratulations!

 Who can get married at Astbury?

The law allows us to marry people we have pastoral responsibility for.  Primarily this means those who live in the Parish of St Mary's Astbury (if you're unsure, the Rector has a map).  It also allows us to marry those who worship at the Church but live elsewhere.

If you live elsewhere you may be eligible to have your name entered on the Church Electoral Roll (its membership list) if you have been coming for at least 6 months.  Please be aware that the Rector cannot take a booking for a wedding before then, and that the law frowns on joining electoral rolls merely to allow marriage at the Church.

If you aren't eligible to be married here we'll be very happy to put you in touch with your own local Church if you're not sure where it is.

"I've been married before… We're related to each other… I'm under 18 years of age… I'm not a British citizen… "

If there are any complicating factors it is vital that you let the Rector know at the earliest opportunity, and certainly before any booking is made.

Booking a date.

The Rector holds the Church diary for the next couple of years and a phone call will let you know when the Church is available.

If you need to change the date and time at a later stage please phone the Rector in the first instance but always confirm any changes in writing.

What else do I need to do?

If either of you live in another parish you will need to arrange for Banns to be published in your local Anglican Church.  The Rector can help put you in touch with your local Vicar if required.

What will it cost?

Weddings can be very expensive affairs, but it doesn't always have to be.  Generally, the cost of the service at Church is only a small part of the overall expense.

Fees are set at the beginning of each year. 

Wedding Fees 2007 -

The marriage fees for 2007 are composed of:

     £50.00            Verger’s fee
     £90.00            Heating, lighting & cleaning
   £100.00            Organ
   £100.00            Choir
   £160.00            Bells
   £240.00            The Marriage
   £100.00            Permission to use Video cameras*
     £19.00            Reading of Banns
       £3.50            Marriage certificate

This translates to:
 

Further Details available from the Rector:

The Rev Dr Jeff Cuttell
Rural Dean of Congleton & Rector of Astbury with Smallwood
The Rectory, Astbury, Congleton CW12 4RQ
Tel. 01260 272625, Mbl. 07941 373578

 

 

[VIDEO GUIDELINES LINK]

 The Fees are usually paid at the Wedding Rehearsal (see below).

Cash is preferred because the money has to be split between so many ringers and choristers.

 

Nearer the time…

 Order of Service

An outline Order of Service is available from the Rector

[ORDER OF SERVICE LINK]

 Choosing Hymns and Music

If you need any advice feel free to contact the Rector.  It's important that if you have any unusual requests you speak to the organist first.  Sally Drage on 01260 270217.

 

Flowers

Church flowers are co-ordinated by Mrs Brenda Bell on 01260 290194.

If other weddings are happening on the same day as your own then you'll need to consult the other couples involved.  A set of guidelines for placing flowers at weddings is available

[FLOWERS GUIDELINES LINK]

 

Photography

Please consult these guidelines for taking photographs at wedding services.

[STILL PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES LINK]

 

Rehearsal

The Rector will usually want to arrange a simple walk-through of the service during the week before the wedding.  From experience, the Friday before the wedding at 4.00pm has often been found mutually convenient.  Details of the service can be finalised on this occasion.

The only people who need to be there are the couple, but others may be present if required.

 Any Questions?

 If you have any questions at all or need any advice please don't hesitate to pick up the phone and speak to the Rector.

Contact The Rector : mailto:Rector@AstburyChurch.co.uk