Revd Tony Sophianou

Church of England, Revd Tony Sophianou

We've got in touch with the experts - those people who conduct the marriage ceremony - to ask all those wedding questions that you've always wanted to ask!

Tony is Associate Minister of St Nicholas Church, Stevenage, in Hertfordshire. He has been ordained twelve years and although born and raised in the Greek Orthodox tradition, found his way into the Church of England "by accident" (or was it "by design"?). The two churches in the parish currently care for around 18,000 souls, though this figure is likely to grow even more, thanks to new housing going up in the area. At present, the churches perform between 35 and 50 weddings each year, together with numerous 'blessings' and renewals of vows. Tony is also Honorary Chaplain to the Stevenage Squadron of the ATC, a visiting Chaplain to the area's major hospital, Governor of a County special needs school, and Trustee of organisations which seek to help bereaved people and those suffering from the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Your questions

Marrying in church the second time around

Q. Do you think that there will be any change in the law, so that divorced people are allowed to marry for a second or third time in church?

A. Priests within the Church of England are permitted to undertake further marriages in church at their own discretion. However, this is a matter of personal conscience and the practice is not common: you would be extremely fortunate therefore if your own parish priest were one of those who would perform such a ceremony. The same regulations apply to further marriages in church as for first marriages, which means that one must satisfy the residency qualification and other requirements of marriage after banns. Common and Special Licences are not issued in England for the further marriage of divorcees in church. As you may be aware, there is a Service of Prayer and Dedication after a Civil Marriage (often known as a 'blessing') which is offered to couples where remarriage in church is not an option. If you are seriously considering a further marriage, do speak to your local parish priest in the first instance.

Writing our own vows

Q. Is it possible to make up your own vows for a church wedding? If so, what do you suggest we include?

A. The short answer is 'No', though in practice some clergy do allow some variation, where appropriate. The new Common Worship services offer a limited variety of vows and there is, of course, the Book of Common Prayer alternative.

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