Photograph by Adam Tidswell from Dave Williams Photography
Weddings
At St John’s we see Christian Marriage as a very special and spiritual event. The service itself, along with the prayers and promises are a key element in the whole celebration of your marriage both on the day and in your lives together.
At St John’s we ensure your marriage is special, and except on very rare occasions the Rector will therefore only conduct one wedding a day. You may be married on any day of the week including Sunday (provided the Rector is in agreement and the Wedding does not interfere with Sunday worship). No Marriages may take place on Principal Feasts of the Church such as Christmas Day or on Solemn Days such as Good Friday. You should also be aware that during Advent and Lent the Church is devoid of flowers.
One of you was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish;
One of you has ever lived in the parish for six months or more;
One of you has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more;
One of your parents has lived in the parish for six months or more in your lifetime;
One of your parents has regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more in your lifetime;
Your parents or grandparents were married in the parish.
Marriages in St John’s take place after the Readings of Banns or by Special (Bishop’s) Licence or very occasionally by Archbishop’s Licence.
There is an absolute requirement before the Rector will marry any couple and that is belief in God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Depending on individual circumstances the Rector is prepared to marry those who have been divorced and couples must seek his advice and approval before taking any further steps. There is no automatic right for the Rector to marry divorced people and his decision in this matter is final as far as St John’s is concerned.
If you wish to marry in St John’s please contact us by email at office@parishofchester.com so that we can send you a copy of our wedding guidance book and application form together with a copy of the appropriate fees. However it is always best in the first instance to discuss your intentions and possible dates with the Rector. It is usual to have several planning meetings with the Rector and at least one with our Director of Music and Organist, Mr Jeremy Jones.
Contact us to Discuss Having your Wedding at St. John’s
We are very happy to announce that we now work in partnership with The Old Palace Chester who are located right next door to us, here in the heart of the city.
The Old Palace is a unique venue, overlooking the River Dee and set amongst some of the famous old ruins dating back to the Roman age. This makes it a wonderful venue for your wedding celebration and only a very short walk from the church.