Getting Married
in a Methodist Church

How do I go about arranging a wedding?

Usually a couple wishing to get married should first approach the Methodist Minister of the church where they wish to be married. He or she will meet with them, make arrangements and discuss what preparations might be made. Don’t be afraid. Most Ministers are delighted to take weddings and will enjoy meeting prospective couples.

As part of the legal process, prospective couples will need to go to the Registry Office where they live to register their intention to get married. The Minister will give you the details you need to take with you.  It’s usually best to ring them and make an appointment. There you will be given a copy of a book called 'Married Life’, which is a helpful resource for people thinking about the implications of getting married.

Do I have to be a Methodist?

People wanting to marry in church don’t have to be members of the church, but most ministers will ask them why they wish to marry in church. A church marriage may well have its relaxed and lighter moments but it is a solemn Christian ceremony. Most ministers will want to know that you are relaxed and comfortable about making the promises on the lines set out in the Service. It is important for all concerned that they are said with integrity.

What happens if one party or both are divorced?

Again you should speak to the Minister about this. The Methodist Church is generally willing to marry people who have been divorced, while their previous spouse is still alive, as long as there are not major obvious reasons why it would be inappropriate to do so. There are a very few ministers who will never marry someone who has been divorced, but in such cases the minister will refer the couple to a colleague who is prepared to perform the marriage. 

The Methodist Church does not argue that the grounds for divorce should be changed from the present ones.  We would certainly encourage a couple going through difficulties in their relationship to seek advice, counselling and support to see if they can rebuild it. We would also expect people to take very seriously their responsibilities to any children of the marriage.

Do I have to come to church?

There is no compulsion at all. But a warm welcome always awaits, and most couples find it far more enjoyable than they anticipated. It’s also a different feel to be married in a church where you feel you belong, and with which you are familiar. Besides which, we feel we have a lot to offer and that’s important!

Can I ask people from other denominations to be involved in the service?

Where two people from different church traditions marry, it is quite common for ministers from both churches to take part in the ceremony. This is welcomed.   Sometimes, people from different faiths marry — and there is advice available for such marriages.