Weddings & blessings

Our beautiful churches are the perfect setting for your wedding or blessing service.

Some legal restrictions apply so please review the information included here to help you decide what the best option is for you.

Our churches are the ideal venues for your wedding. All are Grade I or II* listed buildings and many are situated in beautiful surroundings and areas of outstanding scenery.

Alternatively you may want to consider holding a blessing service in a CCT church after your wedding has taken place nearby.

Please contact us for further details about availability, fees and legal requirements.

Some of our churches provide a wonderful location for a wedding reception venue. Have a look at our 'Hiring for Events' page to find out more about event hire.

Wedding legislation

CCT welcomes couples who want to get married in our churches. You must first however gain the permission of CCT and the support of the local Church of England vicar, and s/he must help you obtain a Special Licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Registrar before you can go ahead.

 

A Special Licence is subject to rules laid down by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which require the couple to have a ‘demonstrative connection’ with the church. This usually means those who have a long standing and continuing family connection with that particular church, or regular involvement in its upkeep and care, including those acting as key-holders.

Application for an Archbishop’s Special Licence can be made only with the support of the incumbent (Church of England Vicar) and the consent of the Diocesan Bishop.

The Trust charges a fee of £450 for a wedding in one of our churches. This is in addition to the fees payable to the officiating minister and for the Archbishop’s Special Licence.

Blessing legislation

A service of blessing following a civil marriage does not require an Archbishop’s Special Licence, but does require the the permission of CCT and the local vicar, agreed with the Diocesan Bishop. CCT welcomes increasing numbers of wedding blessings in our beautiful churches every year.

The Trust's fee for this form of service is £300.

Please contact us for information on fees and availability.

Trust churches, because of their consecrated status, cannot be registered for Civil Weddings and Civil Partnerships.