A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. Jesus himself shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine. 

Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. 

For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses. 

We are delighted to share this day with you. We simply ask that your wish to be married in church represents a serious desire to make God a central part of your relationship.

Practical Considerations

We welcome all who would like to be married at St John’s. There is no necessity for you to have been baptised or confirmed. There are, however, two conditions that you must meet:

One of you must be resident in the parish of St John’s or have a ‘qualifying connection’ with the parish. If you are unsure whether you have a ‘qualifying connection’ the vicar will help you.

Neither of you may have been previously married and your former spouse still alive. If you have been married before then please speak to the vicar about alternative arrangements.

Your intention to be married will be read out in church on three consecutive Sundays. This is called ‘reading the banns’ and is to ensure that you are free to marry each other.

Banns must be called in the church where you are to be married and in the church of the parish where you live. If you live in a parish other than St John’s then you must arrange for your banns to be read there and for a banns certificate given to us before you can be married

Since we are a Christian church the marriage service itself is a Christian service.

The service contains the following elements:

Vows. These are a legal requirement as you make lifelong promises to each other. They are made in the sight of God.

Christian prayers. For you and your future together.

At least one reading from the Bible. With the agreement of the vicar you may also want to include one or more of the following:

Christian hymns

Other readings

Music that is special to you

If you fulfil the criteria above, or would like to talk further about your wedding, then you need to make an appointment to see the vicar, this can be done via the church office.

He will answer any of your questions and complete a formal application form with you.

We will contact you when your banns are to be read in church, many couples like to be present for this.

You will have at least two more meetings with the vicar prior to your wedding day, first to talk about the service itself, and then for your rehearsal.

You are, of course, free to contact us at any time.

The total cost of your wedding at St John’s is made up of the following:

The church fee for the service itself. This is £528 and includes the charge for calling the banns and the marriage certificate. This needs to be paid 4 weeks before the date of your wedding in cash or by cheque payable to “St John's Church, Polegate.

The verger’s fee. This is currently £35. The verger is there to organise the practical details of your service on the day. Payment needs to be made to the verger through the church office.

If you require an organist to play at the service then the fee is around £70 depending on who is available. We hold details of local organists and can arrange one for you if you wish. Payment is made to the organist through the church office.

You may, of course, want special flowers for your big day. You are free to organise these yourself but you must let us know in plenty of time who will be doing them and what your colour scheme is to be. Alternatively, if you would like us to arrange your flowers for you then the cost varies depending on what flowers you want and how you want them displayed. Please discuss this with us. Displays are made to complement your colour scheme so we need these details at the church office 5 weeks before the day. Payment is to our flower team through the church office.

These charges are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change without notice. Please check with the church office for up-to-date charges.

FAQs

You may want to choose music for the bride to enter the church; for you, as husband and wife, to leave to; and for people to listen to while you sign the registers.

It is a good idea to choose music that is meaningful for you. We have the facility to play music on CD if you wish. You need to check your choice of music with the Vicar.

It is not necessary to sing hymns, though many couples like to. It is common to sing two or three hymns during the service. Hymns may be sung from hymn books or printed orders of service. 

You need to check your choice of hymns with the Vicar who can also advise you on suitable hymns to sing.

Your marriage service at St John’s is a Christian service and, as such, will contain at least one reading from the Bible. 

There will also be a short address from the Vicar usually based on your chosen Bible reading. The Vicar can help you choose a suitable reading.

Depending on hymns and choice of music the service normally lasts between thirty and forty-five minutes.

Some photography, or even videoing, may be allowed during the service. Please discuss this with the Vicar.

The Vicar will arrange a time for a rehearsal prior to your big day. This will usually be during the week before the service and will be arranged for a mutually convenient day and time.

Of course! All we ask is that it is kept outside the building and is of the modern bio-degradable type.

Occasionally it can rain, even in Polegate! This doesn’t make any difference to the service but it will to your photographs afterwards.

In this case we give you the option to have your photographs taken inside the church building after the service.