What happens in a church wedding?

A church wedding brings together your family and faith community for a service of worship, vows and celebration. The minister leads the ceremony, which typically includes hymns, prayers, scripture readings and a short talk about marriage. You and your partner exchange vows and rings, and the service ends with a blessing.

For the marriage to be legal in England and Wales, the building must be registered for marriages and either banns must be read or a licence obtained. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings usually need banns read, or a licence. You should start this early, as banns are read on Sundays over the weeks before the wedding.

If you are unsure about any step, the rules can vary by denomination and parish. Check with your place of worship and, for legal detail, GOV.UK or the register office.

• Confirm the building is registered for marriages
• Ask about banns, licences or other requirements
• Plan hymns, readings and music with the minister