I would like to get married in a Trust Church. Is this possible?

The Trust is very happy for weddings to take place in our churches. However any wedding in a Trust church requires a Special Licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Registrar.

The issue of 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 regularly help with 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 and the consent of the diocesan bishop. 

It would be advisable to contact the Trust first in order to check availability and feasibility for use of the particular church that you are interested in using and then to make contact with your local incumbent who may be able to help you with your application to the Archbishop’s Registrar.

A fee of £450 will be payable to the Trust, in addition to the usual fees payable to the officiating minister and for the Archbishop’s Special Licence.

A service of blessing following a civil marriage does not require an Archbishop’s Special Licence. However you will need the local incumbent’s permission, which is agreed with the Diocesan Bishop, and it also depends the availability of the church.  There are no legal fees for this form of service, but the Trust will charge the fee of £300.

Trust churches cannot by law be registered for Civil Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

For further advice please see our Events pages.