Reading of Marriage Banns

If you wish to have a wedding within a parish of the Church of England, then it is likely that you will need to have your Marriage Banns read.

What Are Banns?

Before your wedding, your plans to marry will be announced in church during the main Sunday service. It’s an ancient practice which allows others to object to a marriage on legal grounds.

Where Will My Banns Be Read?
Your Banns must be read out before your wedding in the parish where you live and also in the parish where you’re getting married, if that’s somewhere else. Banns must be read in both if you and your partner live in different parishes.

• If you’re getting married at St Anne and All Saints Church and both live in the parish, we will automatically arrange for your Banns to be read here. You don’t need to do anything else if you live in the parish.
• If you’re getting married at St Anne and All Saints Church but either/both of you live outside the parish, you must ensure that your Banns are also read in your Parish Church. This will need to be arranged with the vicar there. Our clergy will discuss this with you when you meet to discuss your wedding plans.
• If you live in the parish but are getting married in a church elsewhere, you must arrange for your Banns to be read at St Anne and All Saints Church. See “How Do I Arrange for My Banns to be Read?” below.

Why Are Banns Important?
Banns are a vital part of the legal side of marriage, and the correct procedure must be followed.

When Will You Read Our Banns?
Banns are read on three Sundays during the three months before your wedding. This happens during the Notices in our main Sunday service at 10:30 am. If you’d like to come along, we can provide dates for reading your Banns.

Do We Need to Hear Our Banns Being Read?
No, although many couples – and their families – like to come and hear their Banns read.

How Do I Know Which Parish I live in?
Enter your postcode on the A Church Near You site to find out which Parish you live in.

Is There A Fee For Having Our Banns Read?

Yes, there is a charge of £36 for having your Banns read and an additional charge of £17 if a certificate is needed because you are getting married elsewhere. The Church of England sets the fee centrally for us, and you can pay this to us by BACS, cheque or cash.

What Do We Do With Our Banns Certificate?
When your Banns have been read, we will issue you a Banns certificate which you must show to the Parish Priest who is marrying you.

How Do I Arrange For My Banns To Be Read?
If you live in the parish and you’re getting married in a church elsewhere, you’ll need to let us know so we can read your Banns. Please use the contact form below to request or ask about having your Banns read at St Anne and All Saints Church.