You are hereBanns read in my Mother's parish?
Banns read in my Mother's parish?
Dear Reverend,
I was wondering if you could give us a little advice. My Fiancee and I are both British citizens but have been living in Canada for the past few years and would like to get married at Katherine's parish Church in England. We have spoken with the Vicar and he has said he would be delighted to marry us (Katherine was christened and confirmed by him at the church). Ideally, we would like to get married by banns as it would be extremely difficult for Katherine to return to England for the 15 days necessary to meet the residency requirements for the Common Licence and I'm not sure we meet the requirements for a Special Licence. There would be no problem for Katherine to have her Banns read, but the situation with mine are less clear. I was christened in a C of E church and have never been married before, but I don't have a parish church as such. For legal purposes, e.g. drivers licence etc., my UK residency is my Mothers address but would this generally be sufficient for me to have my Banns read there, even though I am currently living in Canada? Obviously we will be talking to the parish vicar from my Mothers parish, but I just found this rather helpful website and thought I would ask your advice/opinions.
Many Thanks for any advice/suggestions
Gavin
Hi Gavin
I answered this the other day but my answer has not posted so I must have hit the wrong button. Apologies.
The 15 days residency only applies to licences, and the ruling for banns is open to interpretation but simply states residency at the time of requesting so you wouldn't be able to do it by phone or email but only in person. And,as your legal address is with your mother, when you next stay with her visit the local vicar in the parish. I'll probably lose my head for this but if you've got the go-ahead from Katherine's Vicar then go for it!
warmest regards
jan