We are delighted that you are exploring being married. One of the first places you can go to receive answers to your questions is a website provided by the Church of England Your Church Wedding website.

If you would like to celebrate your wedding at Holy Trinity Church, Hotwells, or Saint Stephen’s Church, or if you are enquiring about having Banns read, please email info@bristolharboursidechurches.org

FAQs

• Who can get married in a church building?

Anyone who is resident in the parish of Holy Trinity and Saint Stephen’s (or is on the Church Electoral Roll) or who has a qualifying connection which you can read below.  We do marry divorcees at the rector’s discretion.  

You can marry in a CofE church if you can show:-

That one of you: 

• has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or

• was baptised in the parish concerned or

• was prepared for confirmation in the parish or

• has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or

That one of your parents, at any time after you were born: 

• has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or

• has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or

That one of your parents or grandparents: 

• was married in the parish

• What about same sex couples?

It is not currently possible for same-sex couples to be married in Church of England churches.  However, we would be delighted to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership with prayers of blessing following a civil ceremony elsewhere.  Please contact us for more information.

• How do I book a wedding?

In the first instance please contact our administrator or use our contact form. You will then be invited to our Sunday worship to meet one of the Clergy team, to experience our church community, and in due course complete a Marriage Application form.

• What will it cost?

The church bit of the wedding will probably be the cheapest part of the day!

Costs for a church wedding start at £650.

There is much more help and information available, but the next step may be to contact the Office or talk to a member of the clergy.  You are welcome to come along to one of our Sunday worship gatherings to meet us.

Breakdown of the full total – essentials

Marriage Service £544
Marriage Certificate £11 each, and obtained from Bristol Registry Office
Publications of Banns and certificate £56
Verger £50
Pianist/Organist  £60 - £120

• When do I need to pay?

You will need to pay a non-returnable deposit of £100 after you have completed the initial Banns of Marriage form.  This deposit will need to be paid within four weeks of your initial enquiry.

The fees need to be paid in full three weeks before the wedding day and cheques should be payable to PCC of Holy Trinity and St Stephen’s, Bristol, or we can provide BACs details.

• Can my wedding be livestreamed?

Yes, we can livestream weddings for any family or friends that are unable to attend in person.

• How do I know if I live within the parish?

You can use A Church Near You to find out your local parish church.