Legal requirements for Anglican wedding ceremonies

What is an anglican wedding?

An Anglican wedding is a Christian wedding conducted with the Anglican rites and traditions. 

The legal requirements for an anglican wedding

Parties marrying within the Church of England or Church in Wales generally do not have to give notice of the marriage to the Register Office. If either party is from outside the UK, they should ask their vicar if they are required to give notice.

The Marriage Act 1949 is the principal source of law regarding Anglican weddings, those within the Church of England or Church in Wales. Under this Act, the following steps are required:

• The calling of banns; or
• The issue of a common licence by the Bishop of the Diocese; or
• The issue of a special licence by the Archbishop of Canterbury; or
• The issue of a Marriage Schedule (formerly known as a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate).

The calling of banns is a centuries-old tradition which announces the impending marriage between two parties and provides the opportunity for someone to put forward a reason why the marriage should not go ahead. Banns must be called on 3 Sundays (not necessarily consecutively) in each party’s parish church.

If there is insufficient notice for the banns to be read prior to the wedding, or if either party is British but does not live in England or Wales, the parties must obtain a common licence. Additionally, if either party is from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), a marriage schedule must be sought from a Register Office.

A special licence will only be given in exceptional circumstances and provides permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury for a couple to get married in a particular place. For example, a couple may wish to get married in the chapel of their school or college, which will require a special licence.

All Church of England weddings legally require two witnesses to be present.

If you are considering or going through a divorce and are concerned that your Anglican wedding ceremony did not meet the required formalities, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.

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