Monday, 20 May 2013

Wedding Information PDF Print E-mail

Wedding Rings

If you are considering marriage then congratulations to you! We are delighted that you should be considering marriage and we rejoice at the love you have found for each other. We hope the information you find here will be useful as you continue to grow in love and commitment to one another.

We believe marriage should be a thing of beauty, blessed by God and fulfilling to both you and your partner. It is important not to rush into marriage and to think carefully about the promises that you will make to each other.

Wedding BookletRemember that the wedding day, no matter how big and exciting, is not nearly as important as what follows - your married life together. In the Church we believe marriage to be a binding commitment for the rest of your life and we encourage everyone to set out on their marriage plans with this firmly in mind.

Please download the following booklet which contains all the information you need to know about getting married at St Andrew's Parish Church.

Some of the questions you may have are answered below. If you have any other questions then please contact Peter, our minister, who will be happy to talk to you.

Congratulations again on your decision to make a commitment to one another.

Wedding Booklet

We have a useful downloadable booklet which has many useful ideas and also a copy of a typical wedding order of service.

 
What are the legal requirements?

In Scotland, all couples must lodge wedding notices with a local registrar. Couples should visit the registrar around 3 months before the wedding is due to take place (a shorter time may be allowed by arrangement with the registrar). You should direct any legal queries to the registrar at the local council offices on John Street, Blantyre.

You can get more information and download the forms you need for the registrar by clicking here.

Who can be married in St Andrew's?

In short, anyone! However, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.

Anyone who lives within the bounds of our parish may be married in St Andrew's, by our minister. If you are resident outwith our parish but have a connection with the church, the minister may also agree to conduct your wedding.Every square inch of Scotland is served by a parish church, and it may be appropriate for you to ask the minister of your own parish first.

Even people from abroad could have their wedding service within our churches. If you are uncertain, contact the minister or church office.

Can I get married anywhere?

We believe that the natural place for you to have a religious wedding ceremony is in the church. The Church of Scotland allows ministers to marry outwith the church building but it is up to each individual minister to decide whether this is appropriate or not.

Our minister would be happy to discuss all possibilities with a couple looking to be married.

What age do I need to be to get married?

You need to be at least 16 years old. The witnesses to your wedding also need to be 16 years of age.

If I am divorced can I remarry?

Divorce is not a barrier to getting remarried. However, a Church of Scotland minister has discretion over remarrying and would want to talk with you about this prior to your wedding ceremony.

Do I have to be a church member?

No, this is not a requirement. In the wedding ceremony you are not asked to make vows directly to God, but you do make vows to each other in the presence of God. That means that the vows are not to be taken lightly. Marriage is a serious commitment.