Marriage
Marriage is one of the greatest joys of life. Jesus Christ himself was present at a wedding in Cana in Galilee where he performed his first miracle, changing water into wine. That transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary is a sign of the transformation of people’s lives that can be brought about by Christian marriage. Christianity understands marriage to be a lifelong commitment, for better and for worse, between a man and a woman, which is open to the bearing of children. Marriage is a wonderful, challenging and stretching adventure, and the church is very keen to provide proper preparation and support to couples who come to her to be married.
If you live within the parish boundaries (basically everything from the railway to the M40) or you are a member of our congregation, you are very welcome to be married at Saint Leonards Parish Church. Alternatively, if you live outside the parish boundaries but have a particular link with St Leonards (e.g. parents live here etc.); under these circumstances we would be very happy to explore the posibility of getting married here.
Some churches have decided not to marry anyone who has previously been divorced. At St. Leonard’s we will consider marrying people who have been divorced, under Church of England rules this is at the discretion of the Parish priest.
Under current Church of England legislation we are not able to bless civil partnerships. Gay people and their partners are very welcome at St Leonards and can be assured of our prayers.
If you are getting married at the registry office or on the beach in Barbados we would be happy to offer a Wedding Blessing in church, so that you can make your commitment in the eyes of God, as well as your family or friends.
We are also happy to offer Services of Thanksgiving to celebrate marriage milestones, for example 10th Anniversary, Golden Wedding Anniversary, etc.
To enquire further, or to book a wedding or other service, please do come and see us. We hold an open surgery in church every Saturday morning from 10:30am to 11:30am where one of the clergy will be present to meet with you.
