Making Church weddings simpler
Many couples dream of carrying on the tradition, and marrying in the same church as their parents or grandparents. The current regulations for the Anglican Church don’t allow this however this could soon change. A parliamentary committee is expected to approve changes making it easier for couples to marry in a church of their choice. The new rules would enable people to tie the knot in an Anglican church where their parents or grandparents married, or in a parish where they have lived for six months.
In years past, generations of families would live in the same parish for many years and therefore the current restrictions were never a real issue. In today’s society it is rare for children to remain in the same area that their family grew up but family traditions are still important and many couples have been distraught when told they are not allowed to be married in their special church.
The change in regulations may also have an impact on the number of couples choosing to get married in church rather than a civil ceremony venue. In 2001, less than a third of all first-time weddings were held in an Anglican church. Wedding coordinator Vickie Cook of Weddings By Vickie commented
“Civil ceremony venues have become increasingly popular over recent years for a number of reasons. The tight restrictions and formalities involved when getting married in a church have certainly added to this trend. By relaxing the rules we could see a rise in church weddings again. Traditions and family connections are especially important when a couple choose to marry, and being able to say ‘I do’ in the same church as their parents has very special meaning”
If the committee approve the changes then they are expected to take place in the autumn, giving couples marrying in 2009 more freedom over that all important choice of venue.