Getting Married at St Cecilia's

Planning your Catholic wedding.

Congratulations on your engagement! We're here to guide and support you as you prepare for a beautiful and meaningful wedding day at St. Cecilia's.

Congratulations


If you are reading this page, it is probably because you have just gotten engaged or are about to get engaged. What a beautiful moment—enjoy it!


We Are Here To Help


We are here to support you at every stage leading up to your wedding day. To get started, please get in touch with the parish office by phone or email.


Either the bride or groom must be a baptised Catholic in order to marry in the Catholic church. You must also reside in the parish or have a strong connection to it (such as being raised here).


If you plan to get married abroad or in another part of the UK, but your primary residence is within the parish, you must obtain the necessary paperwork from here. Please contact us at least six months before your wedding date.


Marriage Preparation


Southwark Diocese requires engaged couples to complete a marriage preparation course that covers the nature of marriage and the promises they will be making. Participating in a preparation course is not as burdensome as it may sound. In fact, preparing for your wedding is a great joy.


You can find more information on when these courses will be available on the Diocesan Marriage and Family Life pages.


I Already Have Children Can I Marry In The Church?


It may be that you already have children and think that means you can't be married in a Catholic church. It doesn't – you are welcome here.


Your future spouse might practice a different faith or not have a faith at all, and you might be concerned that we will insist on them converting to Catholicism. Rest assured, we will not. Instead, we will ask them to support you in raising any children as Catholics, and most importantly, we will warmly welcome both of you.


As we journey towards your wedding day, you will have many opportunities to ask any questions that you have.


Key Practical Considerations


Please give us at least six months' notice and contact us before finalizing any dates with a wedding venue. This will help avoid the disappointment of finding the church already booked or encountering other complications. We require six months' notice due to the necessary paperwork and preparations. Whether your wedding is a year or 18 months away, it's never too early to reach out to us.


Certain considerations may apply if either or both of you have been previously married, or other aspects of your relationship may pose an obstacle to getting married in a Catholic church. For instance, if a Catholic intends to marry a non-baptised individual, a dispensation is required. Each person's circumstances are unique and sometimes very personal; you will be listened to attentively and compassionately, and we will assist in every way possible. Please reach out to the parish office for further guidance.


Once again, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating with you.


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process of planning your wedding at St. Cecilia’s Church.

  • Who can get married at St. Cecilia’s Church?

    Either the bride or groom must be a baptised Catholic to marry in the Catholic Church. You must also reside in the parish or have a strong connection to it, such as being raised here.

  • What if I want to get married outside the parish or abroad?

    If your primary residence is within the parish but you plan to marry elsewhere, you must obtain the necessary paperwork from St. Cecilia’s. Please contact us at least six months before your wedding date.

  • What is required to marry in a Catholic Church?

    You will need to provide baptismal certificates and proof of confirmation and complete a marriage preparation course. Based on your specific circumstances, additional documents may be required.

  • How much notice do we need to give the church?

    We require at least six months’ notice to ensure all paperwork and preparations are completed. Please contact us before finalizing any dates with a wedding venue.

  • Do we need to complete a marriage preparation course?

    Yes, the Southwark Diocese requires all engaged couples to complete a marriage preparation course. This covers the nature of marriage and the promises you will be making. Information on course dates is available on the Diocesan Marriage and Family Life pages.

  • Can we get married if one of us is not Catholic?

    Yes, you can still get married in the Catholic Church. Your non-Catholic spouse is not required to convert but will be asked to support you in raising any children as Catholics.

  • Can we get married in the church if we already have children?

    Absolutely! Having children does not prevent you from being married in a Catholic church. We welcome all couples wishing to celebrate their marriage in the faith.

  • What if one of us has been previously married?

    Certain considerations apply if either of you has been married before. Please contact the parish office to discuss your specific situation. We will provide guidance and assist in every way possible.

  • How do I start the process of arranging a wedding at St. Cecilia’s?

    Contact the parish office by phone or email to set up an initial meeting. We’ll guide you through the steps and answer any questions you have.

  • Can we book our wedding date before contacting the church?

    We recommend contacting the church before booking any venues to avoid conflicts and ensure availability. This helps prevent any potential scheduling issues.