Dear Resident Reverend,
We are interested in getting married in a local Church of England church in County Durham which I attended as a child. My fiance's family are from Glasgow and are very regular attenders at the local Scottish Congregational Federation church (Parkhead Congregational Church). The minister there is a close family friend. Would it be possible for the minister from their church to actually marry us in the Church of England church rather than the vicar from that church who we don't actually know? If not, would he be able to play any part in the ceremony and if so what? It is very important to us that this minister be involved in the ceremony but we are also keen for it to take place in the Church of England church which means so much to me.
Thank you
Katie
Comments
Hi Katie
This is a slightly complicated question as the local Vicar is the registrar so he or she must be present. Often they are very happy for another minister to take part in the service - to read the Bible reading, say prayers or do the sermon/ talk. That would be entirely appropriate for a minister who knows you well as they would make it very personalised.
Anything else would need to be negotiated. Go and chat to your local Vicar and explain the situation.I'm sure you'll be able to work it out so that everyone is happy
Kind regards
Jan