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The new Marriages Measure 2008
Everyone lives in a parish, and has a legal right to be married in their parish church if they are legally free to do so. Couples may also be married in Northwood Church if they are regular worshippers here and are on the church’s electoral roll.

These rules have made it difficult for people who have moved away but want to get married in the parish where they grew up or once lived. The law has now been changed. From 1st October 2008 couples may now get married in a parish church even if they don’t live in the parish, if they or their fiancé(e) can demonstrate a Qualifying Connection.

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
• a Parent or Grandparent of that person was married in the parish.

Couples who think they may qualify under the new Measure should contact the Rector to talk it through. She will help you work out whether you qualify. There is also a form to be completed. Please contact the Rector (01983 298370) if you wish to know more.

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