Wedding and Christening Policies

Christening and Wedding Policy

We are glad that you are interested in either a Church wedding or a christening for your child.  We believe that God has an important part to play in the great occasions of people’s lives.  We aim to always be available to those who live in Brockenhurst as we serve the local community. 

Each parish has to determine how best to serve those from outside the parish who request christenings and weddings. As a pretty country parish with beautiful churches and with many venues for receptions we cannot respond positively to every request that is made.

To help those who are enquiring we have agreed this policy for Christening and Marriage in our Parish.

Christenings

Christenings should, when possible, take place at a main morning service.

Christening preparation will seek to develop a relationship between new families and the church.

Christening of children from outside the parish will only take place in exceptional circumstances.

Weddings

We aim to serve couples with strong links to the parishes.

To be able to be married in a church you need legally to fulfil one of the following qualifying connections. Please contact the Parish Office in the first instance and we can discuss the qualifying connection with you.

1. You were baptised in this parish.
2. You were confirmed in this parish and your name is entered on the registers of either St Nicholas’ or St Saviour’s.
3. Any of your parents or grandparents were married in this parish.
4. You have ever resided in Brockenhurst for a period of at least six months.
5. One of your parents has lived in Brockenhurst for at least six months during your lifetime.
6. You have habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in this parish for at least six months. This can be before the wedding but you must attend for two months before the date of the wedding can be fixed.
7. One of your parents has habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in this parish for at least six months during your lifetime.

The minister of the parish is under a legal duty to be satisfied that you can lawfully marry in the parish and therefore you will be asked to provide proof of the qualifying connection. You may find it helpful to read the material on the Church of England website www.cofe.anglican.org.

You will also be expected to attend Marriage Preparation before the wedding.

Remarriage of those who have been divorced will only take place in exceptional circumstances, but we are generally happy to offer a dedication and blessing service after a civil marriage for people within the parish.