MARRIAGE
Your Wedding at All Saints
Many Congratulations! You are looking forward to your very special day and at All Saints you have found the very special place for your ceremony.
As you approach the church, hidden up a leafy lane, deep in the countryside, with views over golf course and River Crouch, it seems as if you are stepping back into the past. The church with its unique patchwork of walls, its old pews and leaded windows is deeply embedded into the history of the village. And yet, concealed within this Victorian country church exterior, are 21st century facilities including a small but beautiful reception hall ideal to welcome your guests with a drink or to allow them to mingle while photos are being taken.
But how do you arrange to marry in this beautiful country church?
If you live in the Parish of Creeksea – it’s simple. Just call the Vicar – Revd Vera Wadman and she’ll explain what you need to do.
If you live elsewhere, it is Church of England policy that you need to have a connection to marry at All Saints. If you or your parents or grandparents have lived in the village – or have worshipped at the church, then you already have a connection. If you were baptised at the church, then you have a connection. But if you don’t seem to qualify you can form a connection by attending the church regularly for worship for at least six months. This means coming to church at least twice a month for that time. Our church is open for two, sometimes three services on a Sunday with a choice of the Book of Common Prayer Communion, Family Services and modern communions with a monthly Choral Evensong – so there is plenty of variety in the style and timing of worship.
During the weeks preceding your wedding there will be opportunities to meet with the minister to discuss your service and talk through the exquisitely beautiful and historic vows you are planning to make. As you choose your readings there is time to reflect on the power of love as expressed in some well-known passages such as St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Or some lesser-known readings such as this one based on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
Give yourself to one another completely, be generous in your giving and make no conditions for these gifts. Be humble in your acceptance of your partner’s love. Be honest with each other, be thankful for each other’s love and strive to develop its richness day by day. Respect one another in every way.
Our whole team will be working with you and for you to make sure your wedding is the best day in your life.
Our flower arrangers have years of experience in making the church look beautiful in a simple country church way but happily stand aside for your florist to take charge – whether to put an arch of flowers over the porch, or on the ends of pews, or decorate the whole church in your special colours.
Our organist is superb and happily works with other musicians from string quartets to solo singer and accompanist.
And we have the facilities to play DVDs of the happy couple through their courtship with their choice of music through our very modern but cleverly concealed Audio Visual system.
Over the years we have welcomed brides arriving in every type of vehicle, from tractor and trailer, through soft-topped Morris Minors, horses and carriages, to Rolls Royce and Bentley and more beside.
Knowing there is such a good team behind you, someone to guide your ushers, help your guests find the facilities and be at hand with water and tissues, is a great comfort.
