Baptism and Wedding Policy
We are glad that you are interested in either a Church wedding or a baptism, sometimes called a christening, for your child. We believe that God has an important part to play in the great occasions of people’s lives. We aim to always be available to those who live in Benefice of Boldre and South Baddesley as we serve the local community.
Each parish has to determine how best to serve those from outside the parish who request baptisms and weddings. As pretty country parishes with beautiful churches and with many venues for receptions we cannot respond positively to every request that is made.
To help those who are enquiring we have agreed this policy for Baptism and Marriage in our Parishes.
Baptism
Baptisms should, when possible, take place at a main morning Service.
That Baptism preparation will seek to develop a relationship between new families and the church.
Baptism of children from outside the parish will only take place in exceptional circumstances.
Weddings
We aim to serve couples with strong links to the parishes.
To be able to be married in a church you need legally to fulfil one of the following qualifying connections. Please contact the Benefice Office in the first instance and we can discuss the qualifying connection with you.
1. You were baptised in this parish.
2. You were confirmed in this parish and your name is entered on the registers of either St John’s or St Mary’s.
3. Any of your parents or grandparents were married in this parish.
4. You have ever resided in the Benefice of Boldre and South Baddesley for a period of at least six months.
5. One of your parents has lived in Benefice for at least six months during your lifetime.
6. You have habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in these parishes for at least six months. This can be before the wedding but you must attend for two months before the date of the wedding can be fixed.
7. One of your parents has habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in these parishes for at least six months during your lifetime.
The Minister of the parish is under a legal duty to be satisfied that you can lawfully marry in the parish and therefore you will be asked to provide proof of the qualifying connection. You may find it helpful to read the material on the Church of England website www.cofe.anglican.org.
You will also be expected to attend Marriage Preparation before the wedding.
Remarriage of those who have been divorced will only take place in exceptional circumstances, but we are always happy to discuss this with couples so please get in touch with the local parish clergy. We are also happy to offer a dedication and blessing service after a civil marriage for people within the parish.