Emma's answers to Picking a Parish

Question

Dear Betti, My fiancée and I are originally from Carlisle, Cumbria and now we both live in Nottingham. We would like to get married in church back in Carlisle but are confused as to whether we can do this or whether it is out of the question because it is not our parish. Please could you clarify this and help explain the procedure if it was possible, we would be very grateful.

Answer

You can marry at a church which is not your local parish church only if it is your usual place of worship and you are listed on the church's electoral role. To qualify for enrolment, at least one of you must have regularly attended that church for worship for a minimum period of six months. It is also a requirement for enrolment that the person is a baptised member of the Church of England. If you still have family in Carlisle or have a longstanding relationship with the church, the vicar may agree to enrol you on the church electoral role without the need for you to attend the church on a regular basis but this will primarily depend on your particular circumstances.

I would suggest you write to the vicar explaining why you want to marry in that particular church and ask if he will agree to marry you. Depending on the circumstances, he may well agree to conduct your wedding.

I hope this helps!