The first step is simply to ring. Phili will talk you through what is possible, and there is no cost and no obligation in asking.
Can we marry here?
You have a legal right to marry in a parish church if you can show a qualifying connection to that parish. Any one of these is enough:
- One of you lives in the parish, or is on its church electoral roll.
- One of you was baptised in the parish, or prepared for confirmation there.
- One of you has at any time lived in the parish for at least six months.
- One of you has at any time attended normal church services there for at least six months.
- One of your parents has, during your lifetime, lived in the parish or attended services there for at least six months.
- One of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish.
If none of those fit, do not give up: a connection can often be built by attending services, and there are other routes. Ring and ask. The Church of England's own guide sets the rules out in full.
How it works
- Ring the RectorPhili will check the connection, talk about dates, and explain anything that is particular to the church you have in mind.
- Fix a dateBetween you, the church diary and the six parishes, most dates can be found. Book well in advance, as some Saturdays in the summer do get snapped up early.
- Banns are readYour intention to marry is announced in church on three Sundays in the three months before the wedding. If you live in different parishes, banns are read in each of them as well as in the church where you will marry.
- Marriage preparationA conversation, or two, about what you are promising. Couples generally say this is the part they did not expect to enjoy.
- Plan the dayMusic, readings, flowers, bells and who does what. Amport has a robed choir and the benefice has its own organists.
What it costs
The main fees are set nationally by the Church of England, not by the parish. From 1 January 2026 they are:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Publication of banns | £39 |
| Certificate of banns, if needed | £20 |
| Marriage service | £566 |
The marriage service fee covers the administration, the church itself and its lighting.
Heating, bells, flowers, an organist or the choir are set separately by each PCC, so ask what applies at your church. If cost is a difficulty, say so; it is a conversation worth having rather than a reason not to marry here.