Church Marriage Easier Since 08

The Church of England Marriage Measure 2008

'Qualifying Connections' under the Church of England Marriage introduced 1st October 2008

For full details click here or for a simpler digest:

The Marriage Measure - In force from 1st October 2008 has made a difference to the previous arrangements and availability of a parish church for a marriage ceremony since the concept of 'residence' is now supplemented by a range of qualifying connections. In addition to residence in the parish or inclusion on the electoral roll, any couple may be married in any parish church provided that one of the persons concerned:

• was baptised in the parish; or
• has been confirmed and the confirmation has been entered in a church register book belonging to the parish, (this would have been done on the basis that the person concerned was prepared for confirmation 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 that person's parent has, at any time during the 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 that person's parent or grandparent was married in the parish.

(In this list, references to being baptised, confirmed or married, or attending public worship, all refer to Church of England services).

Common licences may be issued on the same basis.

For further advice and guidance, please refer to the Church of England website.

• Introduction
• Baptism
• Marriage
  • Church of England Marriage Measure 2008
• Rites of Passage
• Funerals
• Confirmations