We would love to be able to conduct your wedding at Rayleigh Methodist Church.
Congratulations on your engagement, and we hope to be able to provide you with a wonderful marriage ceremony at Rayleigh Methodist Church. A wedding in a church allows you to make your commitment to each other that little bit more special, by making your commitment and promises before God.
Weddings at a Methodist Church are conducted by certificates. It is the responsibility of the Bride and Groom to visit the Registry Office and apply for certificates.
Both Bride & Groom must attend for a legal interview, by appointment, at the Registrar’s Office where they will be interviewed separately. They will need to bring certain documents and pay for this service which, if successful, will result in their NOTICE OF MARRIAGE being displayed at the Registrar’s Office for three weeks (in case there is a legal objection). The cost of certificates is £40 each and the certificates are valid for one year.
(We may be able to offer some reduction in fees, where there is a financial difficulty).
The Minister will discuss with you the content of the service, and there are various choices of set words to say. (There are certain legal words that have to be said).
Music is a very personal choice, but the minister and organist will help you make that choice. The church has the facility to play pre-recorded music, or videos. Sound amplification for soloists can also be provided.
We do not insist on you attending the church, either before or after your wedding, but you will be most welcome. You may choose to visit the church for one of our services before your wedding so you can see what it is like, and hear the acoustics of the music and the ambience of worship.
If you would like to video or sound record your marriage service, a separate form will need to be signed.
There are a wide range of hymns and Christian songs that are available for weddings. We have a range of books to choose from, and can either print out words on a song sheet or project the words on our screen.
Our organist will be pleased to offer advice on the wide variety of wedding music available, from the traditional to something different for the bride to enter, and for your triumphant exit as husband & wife. Alternatively suitable music can be played via CD or iPod.
Your Minister will be happy to work with you to co-create a service for your special day. We want everyone to get the most out of the service, as it is one of the most important days of your life.
Have a think about what you may want to include in the service. Apart from hymns/songs, bible readings and prayers, we can also include music, poems, solos…..
You will need to think about whether both of you will have rings, or just the bride.
There needs to be at least one bible reading in the service, you may wish to choose one from
