Marriage at St Nicks
Marriage is one of life’s most joyful and sacred moments. At St Nicholas, we are here to welcome, support and walk alongside couples as they prepare to make their vows before God. Whether you are beginning to think about a church wedding or already planning your special day, we would love to share this journey with you.
"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder” - Mark 10:9
More than a beautiful place to get married
Your marriage ceremony at St Nicholas is first and foremost a church service and an act of Christian worship.
At the heart of the service are the promises you make to one another before God, surrounded by your family and friends. There will be prayers, a Bible reading, a reflection on Christian marriage and, of course, those all-important vows.
We want your wedding to be joyful, personal and to reflect you both, while remaining true to the Christian meaning of marriage and the worship of the Church of England.
And you don’t need to be someone who comes to church every Sunday. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you will receive a warm welcome at St Nicholas.
Can we marry at St Nicks?
To be married at St Nicholas, at least one of you must have a Qualifying Connection with the parish. If either of you currently lives within the Parish of St Nicholas, Chislehurst, you are entitled to marry here.
However, Chislehurst is served by three different Church of England parishes, so having a Chislehurst address does not necessarily mean that you live within our parish.
If neither of you currently lives in the parish, you may still have a Qualifying Connection through having lived here previously, being baptised or prepared for Confirmation here, regularly worshipping at St Nicholas, or through certain connections involving your parents or grandparents.
And if you don't already have a Qualifying Connection, it is possible to create one. By regularly attending worship at St Nicholas for at least six months, you can establish a connection that enables you to marry here.
So, if you have your heart set on being married at St Nicks, please do make contact with Revd Rachel. She will be very happy to talk through your circumstances, help you understand the options available and, where possible, begin the journey towards being married at St Nicholas.
We ask that your Qualifying Connection is established before a wedding date can be provisionally confirmed.
Preparing for Marriage
We prepare for marriages, not just weddings.
During our time together, many couples find themselves exploring faith, sometimes for the first time, and becoming part of the life of St Nicholas. It can be the start of a lifelong journey of faith and a lasting relationship with our church family.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are warmly welcome here.
Planning your service
There is plenty of opportunity to make your service your own, while keeping it rooted in Christian worship.
We’ll help you think about:
Music & Hymns • Bible Readings • Flowers • Additional Readings • Choir • Bells • Photography & Video • Your Order of Service.
A Chruch Family for Life
St Nicholas is more than the church where you get married. We hope it becomes a church family that is here for you long after your wedding day.
From baptisms and family life to support in difficult times, we’re here to walk alongside you for the journey.
Your Wedding Information Pack
Our Preparing for your Wedding at St Nicholas booklet contains detailed information about qualifying connections, marriage preparation, banns, choosing readings and music, photography and filming, flowers and confetti, bells, marriage certificates, fees and the practical arrangements leading up to your wedding.
DOWNLOAD OUR WEDDING INFORMATION PACK
Please read the information pack before completing your initial Marriage Enquiry Form.
