Residential Qualification
If you are hoping to be married in Holy Saviour church, there are certain qualifications necessary; these include, that you actually live in the parish of Bitterne, or, if you don't live within the parish boundary, that you are a regular worshipper here most Sundays and therefore qualify to be on the Church's membership roll known as the Electoral Roll. Alternatively, if you live outside the parish but you or your family have a 'Qualifying Connection' with the church here, then it may still be possible for you to be married at Holy Saviour Church. There is also a requirement that you haven't been married before (but please see below).
Qualifying Connection
If neither the bride and groom live in the Parish, then to be married at Bitterne there must be a ‘QUALIFYING CONNECTION’ with the Parish. These are defined in law as follows.
A person has a Qualifying Connection with a parish if that person
- was baptised in the parish. (This does not apply where the baptism formed part of a combined service of baptism or confirmation);
- or had his or her confirmation entered in a church register book of a church or chapel in the parish;
- or has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months;
- or has at any time habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months.
Or a Parent of that person has at any time during that person’s lifetime
- had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months;
- or habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months; or
Or a Parent or Grandparent of that person was married in the parish.
If both the Bride and Groom live outside the Parish, or you are in any doubt at all about the Qualifying Connection, please contact our Parish Clerk on 023 8043 4572.
Alternatively he is available in Holy Saviour Church during 'Vestry Hour' 7.00 - 8.00pm every Tuesday and most Saturday mornings.
Wedding Booking
To book a wedding at Holy Saviour church, please contact our Parish Clerk on 023 8043 4572. He is also available in the Holy Saviour church during 'Vestry Hour' 7.00 p.m.-8.00 p.m. every Tuesday, and most Saturday mornings. He will take your full details.
If you are hoping to be married in Wesley Chapel then different geographical qualifications may apply and the ceremony will be according to the Methodist Church. This means a certificate or certificates will need to be obtained from the Southampton Registrar.
To book at the Wesley Chapel, please contact the Parish Administrator on (023) 80 446488.
Whether you hope to be married in Holy Saviour church or in Wesley Chapel the support we offer through the marriage preparation sessions will be the same.
Engaged couples’ evening
We invite couples to an engaged couples’ evening either in early December or in January of the year you are getting married, to meet all the other couples and for us to give you important information – about such things as music & hymns, flowers, video recordings and the legal side of marriage. So lots to look forward to!
Remarriage after a divorce
Under certain circumstances the clergy here will re-marry people who have been married before, but residential qualifications apply and you will need to talk with a member of clergy first. Contact with the clergy can be made via the Parish Administrator, whose details can be found on the contact page. |
