Possible to be married in church where I used to teach?

Hello,

I have recently become engaged and we are happily planning our wedding and future life together. We currently live in Bristol but previously I lived in North Norfolk where I grew up and then returned to when I qualified to teach and used to teach in a small village Church of England Primary School for two years (2005 - 2007). The school had close links to the church and I liked the Reverend who would often visit and vice versa. Although I worked in the parish, I did not live there but several miles away in a different village. My parents still live several miles away. I would very much like to be married in the church where I feel I have a personal link to the Reverend and the village (in an area where I grew up) and where I first started working as a teacher. After speaking with the Reverend he said although he would be happy to do a blessing ceremony in the Church it would not be possible for us to be married there as we live too far away to attend regular services.

The Church of England website states "Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections [ 7 connections listed that may link you to a church] , we want to help you explore whether it may still be possible for you to marry in your special church.

Talk to the Vicar there well in advance to discuss the options open to you."

I suppose I wasn't expecting that I wouldn't be able to be married at this church and feel a bit naive for not preparing myself for this. Is there any way that we could be married at this church (which for me is more special now than the village church where my parents live).

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you!
Alice.