More choice for church weddings in Thurrock

Couples in Thurrock now have greater choice over where to get married as new Anglican Church rules come into force.

The new law makes it easier for brides and grooms to have their wedding service in a church where they have a family or special connection.

Previously, couples could get married in a church only if they attended it regularly or lived within the parish.

The Church of England said it was now able to offer the "widest wedding welcome" in its history.

The new law means couples will find more of the Thurrock’s CoE churches open to them.

Previously, to marry in another parish required a special licence or six months regular attendance there.

Now couples can marry anywhere they have lived for six months or where their parents or grandparents were married.

'Good news'

The new law, known as the Church of England Marriage Measure, has been a long time in the making.

The Church has been debating the issue for several years and the measure had to pass through its own legal system before progressing through both Houses of Parliament and receiving Royal Assent.

People who are serious about getting married naturally want a marriage ceremony and a setting which is equally serious - only the Church provides this.

'I do', but where?

The CofE said the changes were in response to the increasing mobility of society, with many people moving away from where they grew up.

It also said there was demand for the change, with the tight restrictions deterring some people from marrying in a church.

Locally, Rector of Stanford-le-Hope, Revd. John Guest was positive about the move saying “Any connection with people is good for the church and a connection to local people is especially good! The church exists to serve the community and if our ministry can help one more couple along the path to a stable and happy marriage, then anything that can more fully enable this should rightly be encouraged.”

The revised qualifying connections are:

If one of the couple was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish
If one of them has lived in the parish or attended public worship there for at least six months
If one of their parents has lived in the parish or attended services there for six months or more in their child's lifetime
If their parents or grandparents were married in the parish

Rob Groves, 01/10/2008