St James’ Islington Wedding Guide
The following is an extract from the full guide available at the bottom of the page:
Banns of Marriage
Weddings in the Church of England are generally performed after a public declaration that you are to be married (called Banns of Marriage). This official statement has to be read in the parish church of BOTH partners for three Sundays within three months of the day of the wedding.
The place to arrange to have banns read at St James’ is via the Parish Office (Tel 020 7226 4108). Amongst the information requested will be the full name of the parish where the non-local partner lives (ie the Church’s name and place eg: St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, London) and the full names of the natural fathers of both partners, together with their occupations.
The banns of marriage will be called at St James’ at the end of the 10am service on the first three Sundays two months before the month of the wedding (ie for a June wedding the banns are called on the first three Sundays of April). Many couples like to hear their banns called at least once.
After the banns have been called in the parish of the non-local partner, a certificate can be collected from that church. This must be given to the priest at St James’ before the marriage can be held.
For non UK Passport Holders
Weddings involving foreign passport holders now require a Common License, only available through the local surrogate. Fr John will arrange for you to meet him so that you can complete the necessary forms.
Marriage Regulations for Those Previously Married
Under certain circumstances the clergy of this parish will officiate at a wedding where one or both partners have had their previous marriage dissolved by divorce. You will need to explore this possibility with the Vicar at St James’ before making any arrangements for the wedding. Such weddings are performed at St James’ by Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate (available from the Islington Registry) rather than after the reading of banns.