Anston St James - Weddings

St James is a lovely church to get married in. However legally, you can only get married here if one of you lives in Anston or one of you worship regularly at the church for a period of six months. You may also get married by Archbishop's Licence but you would need to have long-standing family connections with the church for this to be issued.

In church you are making your vows not only in front of your family and friends but for God.

When you are ready to book your wedding please come along to a service, normally10.00am and 6.30pm, and the Vicar will give you some more information about Christian marriage and the practicalities of getting married at St. James.

Preparation Evenings

Once you have booked your wedding date and time, there will be three Preparation Evenings when we will go through the service and consider Christian marriage. These will be held about four months prior to your wedding.

Some practical questions you may have.

1 Can the bells be rung for our service?

Yes. We have a team of bell ringers who enjoy ringing both as you arrive and when you leave the church.

2 Can we have our service videoed?

Yes. We have a hatch in the Vestry screen which gives a very clear view of you as you take your vows. There is a small fee for a video licence.

3 What kind of music can we have in our service?

Almost all couples have organ music for the bride to come into church and for the hymns. Our organist can play almost anything on the organ.

Mr Clarke has been an Organist since be was 12 years old and Choirmaster since he was 18. He has served at churches in Kent, Suffolk, Worksop, Whitwell and Harthill before settling in Anston and playing at St James.

In early years the enjoyment of organ playing was paramount despite the heavy demands on leisure time. But the incidence of a personal and dramatic spiritual conversion, when he was brought face-to-face with our Lord's demands, brought about a re-appraisal of music as an act of worship and an offering of all we have to the Glory of God. "In this I am privileged to have the support of a loyal, dedicated and devoted Choir, for which I truly thank God."

Occasionally couples invite a friend or friends to sing during the signing of the register. However, our choir can also sing.

4 Can we bring our own flowers into church?

Yes. Most couples do and then take them on to the reception so that you can enjoy them for the

whole day.

Banns for Those Getting Married in Other Churches

If you are getting married at another church but one of you lives in Anston, then for legal reasons you will still need to have your Banns read at St James. You can view and print this form and send it to the Vicar with the appropriate fee of Ł31 ( 2007 )

Blessing Service

This Service is increasingly popular for a number of couples.

You may be marrying abroad and yet want an opportunity for your friends and wider family to share in your joy.

You have married some years ago in a Registry Office and feel you would like to ask for God's Blessing on your marriage and renew your vows to one another.

You may be divorced, remarrying in a Registry Office and yet want God's direction in your new life together.

The Blessing Service is similar to a wedding except that the couple enter church together

For more details talk to the Vicar (01909 563447).