Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do Christians believe about marriage?
A: Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God. In the marriage ceremony a couple make a public declaration of lifelong commitment to love each other, come what may.
Q: Can I get married in St Leonard’s Church?
A: Anyone who lives in the parish of Downham-in-the-Isle ie Little Downham, Pymoor, Oxlodes or the Droves or in any of the parishes of the Ely Team (Chettisham, Stuntney, Little Thetford, Stretham & Ely) may be married in St Leonard’s Church. The new Marriage Measure (October 2008) now allows those with a qualifying connection with the parish to get married here also. Please get in touch with the main church office at St Mary's to see if you are eligible.
Q: I’m divorced. Can I get married in church?
A: The church believes that marriage is for life but it also recognises that sadly, some marriages do fail. Depending on the circumstances it is probably possible for a divorcee to marry again in church. The minister will discuss this with you.
Q: I’m Church of England and he’s a Catholic. Does that matter?
A: Not at all.
Q: What about marriage preparation?
A: All couples getting married in St Leonard’s will be invited to a day in Ely called the ‘Marriage in Mind’ day which is an informal way to get all the couples getting married in the team that year together to think more about what marriage means. It is normally held in February and you will automatically be sent an invitation once you have booked your wedding.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The basic cost, if you both live in the parish, is £567. There will be additional expenses if one or other of you lives elsewhere, and if you would like extras e.g. organist, flowers. There are a substantial number of costs involved for the church and this covers them as well as helps the church continue to minister in the parish.
Q: How do I book my wedding?
A: Please contact the church office based at St Mary's Ely in the first instance.
Q: What do Christians believe about marriage?
A: Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God. In the marriage ceremony a couple make a public declaration of lifelong commitment to love each other, come what may.
Q: Can I get married in St Leonard’s Church?
A: Anyone who lives in the parish of Downham-in-the-Isle ie Little Downham, Pymoor, Oxlodes or the Droves or in any of the parishes of the Ely Team (Chettisham, Stuntney, Little Thetford, Stretham & Ely) may be married in St Leonard’s Church. The new Marriage Measure (October 2008) now allows those with a qualifying connection with the parish to get married here also. Please get in touch with the main church office at St Mary's to see if you are eligible.
Q: I’m divorced. Can I get married in church?
A: The church believes that marriage is for life but it also recognises that sadly, some marriages do fail. Depending on the circumstances it is probably possible for a divorcee to marry again in church. The minister will discuss this with you.
Q: I’m Church of England and he’s a Catholic. Does that matter?
A: Not at all.
Q: What about marriage preparation?
A: All couples getting married in St Leonard’s will be invited to a day in Ely called the ‘Marriage in Mind’ day which is an informal way to get all the couples getting married in the team that year together to think more about what marriage means. It is normally held in February and you will automatically be sent an invitation once you have booked your wedding.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The basic cost, if you both live in the parish, is £567. There will be additional expenses if one or other of you lives elsewhere, and if you would like extras e.g. organist, flowers. There are a substantial number of costs involved for the church and this covers them as well as helps the church continue to minister in the parish.
Q: How do I book my wedding?
A: Please contact the church office based at St Mary's Ely in the first instance.