Marriages
Marriage Policy
Because of the laws relating to marriage, in order to be married in one of the parish churches of either Berwick, Selmeston or Alciston a person must have a ‘Qualifying Connection’. That person:
- Was baptised in the parish. (This does not apply where the baptism formed part of
a combined
service of baptism or confirmation); or - Had his or her confirmation entered in a church register book of a church or chapel in the parish; or
- Has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months; or
- Has at any time habitually attended public
worship in the parish for at least 6 months; or
A Parent of that person has at any time during that person's lifetime:
- Had his or her usual place of residence in the
parish for at least 6 months; or - Habitually attended public worship in the parish
for at least 6 months; or - A Parent or Grandparent of that person was
married in the parish.
The Marriage Service.
At the beginning of the service there is an explanation of the church's understanding
of the spiritual meaning of marriage.
The marriage service can be found HERE.
Remarriage of Divorcees
The current policy of the Incumbent is that couples cannot have a marriage service in any of the churches if either of the couple is divorced. A Marriage Blessing is offered instead and for this service the conditions of marriage above do not apply.
Marriage Blessing
A service of ‘Prayer and Dedication Following a Civil Marriage’ otherwise known as a ‘Marriage Blessing’ is free from the conditions set out for marriage and the priest is glad to discuss this service with any couples. This order of service can be found HERE.
Marriage Resources
For information about marriage preparation resources, please see Flame Family website HERE. For details of Wedding Flowers at Berwick Church, please click HERE
A sample Order of Service is available HERE
The following Bible Readings, Hymns and Poems are possible suggestions taken from
‘Readings for Weddings’ -
and published by SPCK.
(ISBN
13:978-
Wedding Prayers
A list of suitable prayers which couples may choose from if they wish can be found HERE.
Bible Readings
It is usual to have one or two Bible readings; a Psalm can also be chosen and said by the whole congregation. The most popular readings are shown in bold type. (Click on reference to follow link.)
Old Testament Readings
Genesis 1:26-
Psalm
121
Psalm 128
Psalm 150
Song of Solomon 2:8-
New Testament Readings
Matthew 5:1-
1
Corinthians 13:1-