I have a question that
i need answering before i can get married. Do I need to be christened
to get married in a church. If so does it matter how long i
have been christened. And do you know how i would go about it.
I would really appreciate if you have the answers to these questions.
Thank you ever so much.
A1.Most churches
only require one person in the couple to hold a baptism certificate
but this can vary from church to church so it's best to check
with the person who will be officiating.
The first step to getting yourself christened
is to discuss your intentions with the leader of your local
church, they will be able to advise you on the ins and outs
of this process and the timescales involved. I'm not aware of
any restrictions governing the amount of time you need to hold
the certificate prior to your wedding but again, do please check
the 'rules' at the church where you intend to marry to be absolutely
sure you're going to comply with their wishes. Good luck!
(Answered by Tamryn Kirby)
A2. Assuming it is a CofE church,
then it is up to the discretion of the local vicar. Usually,
though, if you are a member of that parish (or your fiance
is) it would be very unusual for you to be refused. If you do
want to be christened (but remember it is not a thing to be
taken lightly and implies a committment to the church that you
might not be ready for) then go and have a chat with your local
vicar who will explain the process to you.
(Answered by Helen Hitchcock)
A3.
It is not neccessary to get christened before you marry in a
church. The majority of Ministers are quite happy to marry people
who have not been christened. It would however, be wise to discuss
this with your local minister prior to the wedding just to be
sure of his feelings on this
matter. If you did decide that you would like to go ahead and
get christened anyway, then phone your local minister and arrange
to have an
informal talk about what would be involved.
(Answered by Suzie Gillespie)
A4.
Most ministers would prefer if you were christened before marrying
you, especially the older ones. It doesn't matter how long you
have been christened, the important fact for them is that you
have been blessed in a House of God and you have become part
of their faith. If you have chosen the church you wish to get
married in I suggest you meet with the minister and explain
to him your circumstances, I am sure he will be more than happy
to oblige. This will also give you and your partner a chance
to get to know them before your special day. My grandfather
was christened when he was 79 years old we were all there it
was a lovely occasion.
(Answered by MrsS)
A5. A
lot of that depends on the church you are to be married in.
Your best bet would be to contact the priest, preacher, vicar,
etc. of the church, he would also be the one to tell you how
to go about getting it done. Here in the United States, one
does not have to be baptised or christianed to be married in
a church, but the pastor will do a brief interview with the
couple to be sure they understand and accept, God, Jesus and
the role they play in the ceremony and married life. Here if
you are a member of the church you do not have to pay a fee
for the use of the church or reception buildings/rooms. The
fee of the minister is a donation to members, and a set fee
to non-members. Non-members also have to rent the church and
facilities. Hope this helps, have a wonderful wedding and if
I can be of help, drop me a line.
(Answered by Brenda Hibbs)
