A wedding ceremony marks the beginning of a marriage and is a public witness before God to the love that two people have for each other.
A Christian marriage is not a contract but a vow and covenant made between two people. It is a sacrament – a mystery, a holy and blessed way of life in which God's purpose for your life can be more fully realised. If you have a Christian wedding within the Church of England, you do not also need to have a civil marriage ceremony.
Marriages after a divorce
Jesus taught that marriage is for life and that is our ideal. But in the Parish of Bracknell we understand that marriages do fail and we try to help people rebuild their lives in new relationships. If you have been divorced and would like to discuss the possibility of being married again in church please speak to one of the ministers.
How a marriage can be authorised
Marriage in the Church of England can be authorised by Banns (the easiest and most common method, read out in the parish churches on three consecutive Sundays), by Licence (quicker but more expensive), or by Superintendent Registrar's Certificate.
Any British citizen resident within the parish boundaries has a right to be married in the parish church, so long as there is no legal obstacle. It is also possible to marry here if you can show a 'qualifying connection' with Holy Trinity Church, or if you have joined one of the congregations and are on the church electoral roll.
Preparation
After you've booked your marriage date, one of the ministers will be assigned to conduct the service and will arrange to meet you. A further wedding planning meeting is held roughly three months before the wedding date. We also offer 'Preparation for marriage' sessions, often run with other local churches.
Cost of a wedding
To book your service we need a £100 deposit to reserve your date. We ask that you pay the final instalment by one month before the wedding. You can pay by standing order, bank transfer (please request our bank details from our Finance Administrator), or cheque made payable to 'Bracknell PCC'.
To discuss initial arrangements, visit one of our services and chat with us, or contact the minister.