the-altar-from-the-main-door-st-johns-chester

Photograph by Clare Robinson 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.

Celebrating Your Marriage at St John's

Am I Eligible to Marry Here? (Qualifying Connections)

As a Parish Church, we are legally required and joyfully open to marrying those who live within our parish boundaries. However, you can also be married at St John's if you have a Qualifying Connection to the parish. You meet this criteria if you can answer 'yes' to any of the following:

Residency: One of you has ever lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months.
Worship: One of you has habitually attended normal church services here for at least 6 months (the equivalent of attending at least once per month).
Baptism/Confirmation: One of you was baptised or confirmed in this parish.
Family History: A parent has lived or worshipped here for 6 months during your lifetime, or your parents/grandparents were married in this church.

If you are unsure whether you live within our parish boundaries, you can check your address at https://www.achurchnearyou.com/. If you don’t yet have a connection but wish to build one by attending our regular services, please get in touch with the Rector.

Understanding Your Wedding Fees

A Church of England wedding consists of legally fixed statutory fees set nationally, alongside optional additions to personalise your service. This ensures complete transparency for your budget and ensures that the sacred dignity of your marriage service remains uncompromised.

Statutory Legal Fees (Fixed by Law):

Marrying in your home parish: Complete legal fee (includes publication of banns, banns certificate, the marriage service, and lighting) – £605.
Marrying away from home (with a Qualifying Connection): Includes the above plus additional out-of-parish banns administration – £723.

“Please note that fees are reviewed annually by the Church of England and are subject to an increase in line with inflation.”

Optional Extras:

The Verger Team: Our vergers assist the Rector in welcoming guests, managing the building, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day – £60.

Organist & Music: Customary arrangement for live traditional accompaniment – Fee advised upon booking (approx. £100).

Audio System: If you wish to use our sound system for specific recorded tracks during the signing of the register, we can arrange this for you – £50.

Bells & Choir: Available upon request to enrich the liturgical setting of your day. Our traditional church bells or parish choir can be booked to add a celebratory choral atmosphere to your service – Fees and availability advised upon booking.

Flowers & Media: Couples are warmly welcome to arrange their own floral displays and professional photography/videography. We just ask that your photographers coordinate with the Rector beforehand to ensure the service remains prayerful.

Extended Use & Receptions: Because of our unique historic grounds and proximity to local venues like the Old Palace, please speak to the Rector if you require extended access to the church or grounds for your photographs.

Welcome and Next Steps

Once your enquiry is received, our Rector will arrange a time to meet, confirm your dates and connection, and begin your journey of preparation for marriage. We look forward to welcoming you to historic St John's.