Weddings and Blessings
If you've just got engaged – Congratulations!
It is wonderful that you are thinking of marking the start of your married life together in Church. And this benefice has five fabulous churches to get married in.
We are pleased to try and accommodate any couples wishing to celebrate their union in any of the churches in our benefice as far as the church regulations permit us.
It is always a joy to witness and celebrate God’s great gift of love and to hear two people publicly declare their love for each other.
The Church of England has a whole website dedicated to help couples plan their wedding and make arrangements - much more that we can offer here. So, hopefully you'll find all the essential information about a Church wedding here.
Getting married in Hormead, Wyddial, Anstey, Brent Pelham, or Meesden.
One of the key questions is about 'qualifying criteria' that you need to get married in a particular church. Don't be put off.
If you live in the parishes - you automatically have a link
If you ever lived in the parishes in the past for six months or more - you automatically qualify (just pprovide some evidence).
If you were (or will be) baptised or confirmed in the church - you qualify
If your parents or grandparents were married in one of the churches - you qualify
If your parents reguarly lived in the parish and/or attend the church regularly for at least six months - you qualify
And...if you don't already have a connection to a church, you can make one by attending our churches regularly - at least once a month - for six months or more before we read your banns (about nine months before your wedding day, minimum). Even if your wedding is some way off, you can begin that right away. Come along and find a warm welcome. We just want the church you get married in to feel like YOUR church.
But please contact Revd James Sawyer, the Rector if you have any other questions or concerns.
If you are considering a Blessing after a civil ceremony or a renewal of your vows, please contact the Rector to discuss and make arrangements.
Ceremonies for same-sex couples
At present it is not possible for us to conduct weddings for same-sex couples in the Church of England. However, while what we can do may not go far enough for many people, it is currently possible to arrange to bless a same-sex couple using some specially prepared prayers. Some clergy in the Church of England - especially those with close family members, friends and parishioners who happen to be gay or are themselves gay - may be happy to arrange to use those prayers.
I will use those prayers. If you woud like help and support to arrange a blessing in your situation, you will be welcome in this benefice. Please contact Revd James Sawyer, the Rector if you have any other questions.

Contact
The Vicarage
Great Hormead
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0NT
01763 289258