Who can marry in church?

As a parish church, we have a legal duty of care for those who live in the area - this is known as a Qualifying Connection. You can marry at Christ Church if either one of the couple: - has ever lived in the parish for 6 months or more, - was baptised or confirmed at Christ Church - has come to services regularly here for 6 months or more. Or: - If one of your parents has, at any time, lived in the parish for 6 months or more - If one of your parents has come to normal church services here for 6 months or more Or: -If one of your parents or grandparents were married at Christ Church. If you are a same-sex couple who would like a service of prayer and celebration after a civil ceremony, please contact the Vicar.

Do I need to have my banns read?

Banns are the legal, public announcement made during a church service stating that you intend to get married. It is an ancient custom, and they must be called in the church where you are to be married, and in the parish church where you live. We will call your Banns here at the 10.30am Sunday service, on the first three Sundays of the month before you marry. It is a special occasion and you’re invited to come and hear your Banns read - and also to hear the church community pray for you and encourage you! If either one of you lives in another parish, you must contact their Vicar and arrange for your Banns to be read there too - and there will be a fee. Once the Banns are read (and if no one objects to your marriage), the parish will give you a certificate, which you must bring to the Vicar before your wedding day. It is your responsibility to ensure that Banns are called and the certificate is obtained. However, not everyone qualifies to have their Banns read in church. If neither of you: - Lives in this parish (and has done for 6 months or more), or - Has an established qualifying connection (above), or - Has your name on the church’s Electoral Roll (requiring 6 months’ attendance) then we need to apply for a Common Licence or Special Licence - the Vicar will talk you through this.

What days of the week can I get married in your church?

We asked that no weddings are booked on Sunday mornings, or Good Friday or Easter Saturday.

Do you allow photography?

Yes. We ask that your photographer doesn't use flash inside the building, and liaises with the Vicar before the service about where to stand.

Do you allow videography?

Yes. We ask that your videographer liaises with the Vicar about where the filming will happen during the service.

Will there be a rehearsal of the ceremony?

Yes. We invite you to bring all those who will be doing something in the service (ushers, readers, bridesmaids, groomsmen etc) to come to a rehearsal, at a convenient time for you. This will enable you to walk through everything in real time, and hopefully quell some nerves!

Can we have decorations in the church?

Yes - please discuss your plans with the Vicar beforehand. If you wish to have flowers in addition to what is normally in church, you need to arrange this with your florist and pay for the flowers yourself. Any decorations need to be taken with you at the end of the service. If you wish to have confetti - please only use the biodegradable sort, and only use it when well outside the church door and into the grounds.

Can I get married in this church if I’m divorced?

Yes - please discuss this further with the Vicar. We will need to see the original copy of your Decree Absolute.

Can I get married in this church if I don’t regularly attend?

Yes. You can marry at Christ Church if either one of the couple: - has ever lived in the parish for 6 months or more, - was baptised or confirmed at Christ Church - has come to services regularly here for 6 months or more. Or: - If one of your parents has, at any time, lived in the parish for 6 months or more - If one of your parents has come to normal church services here for 6 months or more Or: -If one of your parents or grandparents were married at Christ Church. By regular attendance, we mean once a month for 6 months. Please let the minister taking the service know you're with us and preparing for marriage

Can I get married in this church if I don’t live within the parish?

Yes. You can marry at Christ Church if either one of the couple: - has ever lived in the parish for 6 months or more, - was baptised or confirmed at Christ Church - has come to services regularly here for 6 months or more. Or: - If one of your parents has, at any time, lived in the parish for 6 months or more - If one of your parents has come to normal church services here for 6 months or more Or: -If one of your parents or grandparents were married at Christ Church.

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Churches & Places For Worship
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Christ Church, Lancaster

Christ Church, Lancaster

Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EA, Lancashire, United Kingdom

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01524 942105

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Christ Church, Lancaster Churches in Lancashire

About Christ Church, Lancaster

Christ Church is a beautiful Victorian building looking out across Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells. We have been serving the community on the east of Lancaster for 165 years and look forward to welcoming you and your families for your special day. Whether you're looking for a traditional church wedding with hymns, or something more contemporary with Christian prayers, we will tailor the service to you.

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Christ Church, Lancaster

Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EA, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Call 01524 942105

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Accessible toilets with Baby changing facilities

On street Parking and Wheelchair accessible

Induction hearing loop

Assistance dogs welcome

Large print hymnbooks or servicebooks

Choir, Live Music

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