A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine.
Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.
On this their wedding day the bride and bridegroom face each other, make their promises and receive God’s blessing. The congregation are witnesses of the marriage, and express their support by their presence and their prayers. The support of family and friends does not end on their wedding day: the couple will value continued encouragement in the days and years ahead of them.
God is love, and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them.
(1 John 4.16)
Getting married at St. Mary’s Church, Broomfield
The wedding ceremony is both a religious and a civil occasion, which requires some present or prior connection to the church in which you wish to get married. Generally you may get married at St. Mary’s, Broomfield if either of you live in the Parish of Broomfield, Chelmsford; if you are on the electoral roll of the parish because you regularly attend worship here; if you were baptised or were prepared for confirmation at St. Mary’s, Broomfield; or if your parents or grandparents were married in St. Mary’s, Broomfield.
There are other qualifying connections which may apply and the Vicar, Revd. Carolyn Tibbott will assist you in identifying what these might be. Even if none of the above applies, there are still options for you to choose to get married at St. Mary’s Broomfield. If you are considering getting married here please contact the Vicar to talk through your choices.
If either of you have been married previously and that marriage ended in divorce it may still be possible for you to marry at St. Mary’s, Broomfield. You will need to contact the Vicar and arrange a time to meet to discuss your options.