The Marriage Service presumes that you believe 
in God and are coming to church to ask his blessing on your lives.  The words you will use express that trust and ask for God’s help to live together in a way that is pleasing to Him.  If you want to know more about this, please ask.

The following notes are important and will help you to get the church side of your marriage right.  Please read them carefully.

•	Legal Preparations

In order to be married in Bowthorpe Church, you will need to get a marriage license from the Registrar’s Office as our current minister is a Free Church minister, not an Anglican minister. In all other respects the wedding service is traditional (see ‘The Wedding Service’ booklet). Both parties must go to the office to register for the wedding. It is best to make an appointment. You must bring the licences to the Church Office as soon as you can; we will hold them for your wedding day. If you do you not have this licence, you will not be able to marry on the appointed day. The Registrar’s fee for each licence is currently £35. It is normal to give eight weeks’ notice to the Registrar. 
We will remember you in prayer during the 10.30am service on the first three Sundays of the month prior to your wedding.  Some couples like to come to church for this and I would encourage you to do so if you are able.

•	Photography

Your official photographer is welcome to take pre-arranged photos in church - eg from the back of church (without flash), during the signing of the registers and in the aisle at the end of the service.  We do ask though, that your photographer does not take photos during the service as it can be distracting.

•	Video

If you wish to have a video taken of your service, then the camera operator must have or obtain a proper licence for this. We suggest that it is set up to one side of the building.

•	Signing the registers

The signing takes place towards the end of the service.  Both husband and wife sign with their full names (the bride using her maiden name). You must nominate two witnesses over the age of 18 years who are required to sign the registers. It is helpful to let them know well in advance of the service that they are being asked to do this.

•	Confetti

We have no objection to the use of confetti in the church grounds, although we do ask that biodegradable confetti is used and that it is thrown away from the church entrance as it is difficult to clear up if it blows inside the church.

•	Fees

Wedding fees are set nationally by the Church Commissioners each year. There are also permitted local additions for pianist and use of the P.A. system and additional charges for church cleaning/heating and/or video.  See enclosed leaflet for full details of current fees. These will need to be paid into the office or to the minister one week prior to your wedding. Please make cheques payable to Bowthorpe Church.

•	Service details

You will need to decide on:

Entry and exit music - the most popular being the Bridal March from “Lohengrin” by Wagner and the Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

Hymns - sometimes two or often three hymns are usually sung at weddings. You may choose any suitable Christian hymn that you like. Included in this pack is a selection of popular hymns used at weddings.  

The marriage vows you wish to use in the service.

We can provide an Order of Service for your wedding. Please see enclosed sample sheets and colours and the list of fees for cost. 

If you want to make the service more personal by adding items, or involving family or friends in the service, please talk to the minister well in advance.  Family members or friends who are ordained ministers are particularly welcome to help.

Enclosed with this pack, you will find a form to fill in once you have made decisions on the above.  It then needs to be returned, no later than a month before your wedding to Bowthorpe Church Office, Bowthorpe Hall Road, Norwich, NR5 9AA.  

•	Wedding Rehearsal

Your rehearsal will normally take place about a week prior to your wedding - but please arrange a date with the minister or church office.  It is often helpful if the person giving the bride away and the best man are present at the rehearsal. You may wish to invite bridesmaids and other close family, but not too many please!

•	Choir and Bells

We are sorry but we are not able to provide a choir or bells for your wedding.

The Christian family at Bowthorpe Church is very pleased that you will be holding your special service in our church.  We hope that you will feel at home and will want to join us on other occasions.

If we can help you now - or at any other time in the future - please phone the Church Office on 01603 749614.