Weddings

Here, and on the linked pages above, is a brief explanation of what a church wedding involves.

We will do all we can to make this a very special occasion for you, but also to help you come to a deeper understanding of how Christian faith can help you build a stronger relationship that can withstand the many pressures of modern life. We hope that by choosing to come to church (rather than a Register Office or other authorized location) you are seeking God’s blessing on your life together.

Can we get married in the parish of Palmers Green?

Yes – if one of you is (or was) a resident of one of these parishes, if your parents live here, or if one of you worships (or has worshipped) here. If none of these are applicable, it may still be possible, but you will need to chat with us to discuss your situation.

What if I/my partner have been married before?

If either of you have been married previously, there is a slightly longer procedure in which the circumstances of your previous marriage have to be discussed, and special permission may have to be obtained from the Bishop before a wedding date can be booked. Our belief is that marriage should be for life, though sometimes we do all make mistakes; but God is also forgiving and generous in his dealings with us all.

What if I/my partner is a foreign national?

Recent changes to the Law in Britain (March 2015) have introduced different procedures for those who are not British nationals.

At your first meeting we will ask you to bring your Passport (or other proof of nationality). If both partners are British citizens, you can get married after the calling of Banns in the traditional way.

If one of you has nationality of an EEC country, we will arrange for you to get a Common Licence. If one of you has any other nationality, you now have to make an appointment to go to the local Registrar and get a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate. This replaces the calling of Banns.

The Basic Procedure

  • As soon as possible, please come to St. John the Evangelist Church, Palmers Green or contact Rev Julie Coleman on 020 8886 9557 or email rev.jcoleman@hotmail.com
  • We will supply you with an Application Form that needs to be filled in at this stage. We recommend you search the Church of England web site where you will find plenty of material which we hope will cover many of the different aspects of marriage, and help you start planning a service that is personal to you.
  • Two to three months before your wedding day, we will meet again to go through the arrangements, and try to make the ceremony as personal as possible.
  • If you are being married after the calling of Banns, that will be done in the church where you are to be married, and also in your home parish if you live elsewhere. We will give you the relevant dates (which will be during the three months before your wedding). You are welcome to be present in church to hear the banns read; though we do understand that going to church three times in a row might be too much for some!
  • A day or two before your wedding we will need to hold a rehearsal in church, which will also involve the bridesmaids, best man and bride’s father (or whoever will be giving her away). It is helpful if the ushers and others directly involved are also present at that time.
  • The final step is your special day! We hope that with careful planning it will be a wonderful day for you both, and we pray that God will bless you and you will have a long and happy life together.