Every marriage is slightly different because each couple is different. At Farnham United Reformed Church you are welcome to shape the Wedding Service to suit you, under the guidance of the Minister.
The most important thing to remember is that planning a wedding takes time – at the outset you need to book the church and begin to make arrangements for the service.
Probably not. We believe Christianity is about forgiveness and second chances. We may make some enquiries about the circumstances where neither bride or groom is known to us, but in most cases we will be happy to offer a church wedding.
No. Most couples are these days. Please don’t be embarrassed about it.
Unfortunately, the law does not currently give anyone an automatic entitlement to be married anywhere in country, however most situations can be accommodated within reasonable interpretations of the law. To be married in Farnham United Reformed Church, the law requires that you live in the local area, or you have a particular connection with the area or this church, or this is your usual place of worship.
The church has a seating capacity of 180 downstairs, and 60 in the gallery, although it cleverly designed so that a congregation of 50 do not rattle around. There are two side aisles, but no centre aisle. Most couples come in on the left-hand side, and out on the right-hand side. There is a fine pipe organ and a grand piano.
There is ramped access to the building for wheelchair users and toilet facilities for people with disabilities. There is a dedicated wheelchair space at the front to one side.
There is a loop system for people with impaired hearing.
Your official photographer may take some non-flash pictures during the service, but your guests will be asked not to take photographs while the service is going on. Official video recordings are allowed, but fees are increased because of copyright and performing rights. Please advise your photographer / video operator to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the service to negotiate their arrangements.
Sometimes other groups may be using the outside area of the church - please advise us in advance if this may be a problem.
Confetti is allowed outside only, and only well away from the doors so as not blow inside the building.
There is no parking on the premises, but there is ample parking nearby in either the South Street or Central car parks. Drop-off space is available for the bridal car and any disabled guests.
To be married in Farnham United Reformed Church you each need to apply to the local authority Registrar in the Registration district where you live. If you live in separate Registration districts, you will need to apply at each Register Office.
The certificate that the Registrar issues is valid for one calendar year from that date on which you give notice (e.g. if you give notice on 4th October 2010, the certificate will be valid until 3rd October 2011). It takes up to a month for a certificate to be issued, so you must apply before the wedding date.
The Registrar’s certificate is only
valid for a wedding in a particular building. Therefore, you must
tell the Registrar that you intend to marry at “The United
Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham, Surrey” and give
the registered number of the building,
which is no. 8000.
Authorised person Minister Organist Use of church |
£60 £120 £60 £120 |
| Total | £360 |
| These fees are doubled for video recording. | |
| Heating Supplement | £40 (October - March inc.) |
*If the church Coffee Shop needs to be closed, then there is an additional charge towards loss of income, although we prefer not to close if at all possible. These charges are:
|
Monday-Friday before 1.30 pm Monday-Friday before 3.30 pm Saturday weddings before 2.00 pm |
£200 £150 £75 |
Once a date has been fixed, a non-returnable deposit of £150 should be paid. Until a deposit is paid, any booking will be regarded as provisional. All other fees should be paid in full a month before the wedding. We are happy to agree payment in instalments if this is easier for you.
The church cannot provide special flowers for weddings. If you don’t want to make any other arrangements, and are prepared to take pot luck on colours etc., there will normally be an arrangement in church for the Sunday service.
If you want to organise some more special flowers, you will need to make your own arrangements and remove any extra decorations (e.g. pew ends) the same day. We do not provide containers, oasis etc. The pedestal itself must not be removed from the church. Any additional flower arrangements should not be stuck to pillars etc.
You should expect three meetings with the Minister, after initial enquiry. First to gather some details and to confirm that everyone knows what’s going on; second to plan the service in some detail, and finally a rehearsal. The first meeting will be as soon as practicable after an initial enquiry, the second meeting about three months before the wedding, and the rehearsal, involving all the major participants, a day or two before the wedding.
Please make appointments with the Registrar as soon as your chosen wedding date is confirmed, and set in motion the process for obtaining authority to marry.
Sunday Services are a good way to get a feel for the Church, and to meet the Minister.
10.30am Morning Worship
6.30pm Evening Worship
To take it further,
please contact the Minister:
The Revd. Michael Hopkins
23 Hillary Road, Farnham, GU9 8QX
01252 711359
0771 640 9350
minister@farnhamurc.org.uk
www.farnhamurc.org.uk