Banns of Marriage
Banns are an ancient legal tradition and have been read out every week in churches across the land for millions of couples, over many centuries. They are an announcement in church of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.
Banns have to be read at the parish church in where you live and at the church in which you are to be married. Your banns can be read in church at any time during the three months leading up to your wedding and are usually done over three consecutive Sundays. It would be advisable to arrange to have your banns read a few months in advance. A small fee is charged for reading banns in church. After the reading of the banns you will be sent a certificate to prove that the banns have been read and that there has been no impediment alleged to your marriage.
Whilst you are not legally required to be present during the reading of your banns, it is a lovely tradition to come to Church and hear your banns being read. You could also bring your friends and family along to the special event and it's an opportunity to get to know your local church a little better. Here at St Mary's we read the Banns at the beginning of 10.40 am service.
If you live in the Parish of St Mary, Wistaston (click here to check with your Post Code), and are getting married in a Church of England church other than St Mary's, then it is a legal requirement to have your banns read here.
Banns have to be read at the parish church in where you live and at the church in which you are to be married. Your banns can be read in church at any time during the three months leading up to your wedding and are usually done over three consecutive Sundays. It would be advisable to arrange to have your banns read a few months in advance. A small fee is charged for reading banns in church. After the reading of the banns you will be sent a certificate to prove that the banns have been read and that there has been no impediment alleged to your marriage.
Whilst you are not legally required to be present during the reading of your banns, it is a lovely tradition to come to Church and hear your banns being read. You could also bring your friends and family along to the special event and it's an opportunity to get to know your local church a little better. Here at St Mary's we read the Banns at the beginning of 10.40 am service.
If you live in the Parish of St Mary, Wistaston (click here to check with your Post Code), and are getting married in a Church of England church other than St Mary's, then it is a legal requirement to have your banns read here.
How to arrange having your Banns Read at St Mary's
Please note we only take applications for Banns of Marriage within 6 months of a wedding
1. Check if you live in the parish, click here.
2. If you live within the parish complete the online form below for access to a Banns Application Form.
3. Return the this form along with your payment.
5. After the third reading of the banns, you will be sent your banns certificate in the post or it can be collected from the Parish Office.
6. The certificate should be given to the officiating minister of the church you are getting married in before your wedding.
If you prefer you can call the Church Office - please be ready to give the details requested on the form below.
1. Check if you live in the parish, click here.
2. If you live within the parish complete the online form below for access to a Banns Application Form.
3. Return the this form along with your payment.
5. After the third reading of the banns, you will be sent your banns certificate in the post or it can be collected from the Parish Office.
6. The certificate should be given to the officiating minister of the church you are getting married in before your wedding.
If you prefer you can call the Church Office - please be ready to give the details requested on the form below.