Getting Married at St James The Great
St James The Great has been joining couples in the bonds of holy matrimony for generations, surrounded by centuries of beauty and tradition.
Our church can comfortably accommodate most wedding parties, and ceremonies are officiated by the Reverend Colin Wilson. If additional space is required, our modern and convenient hall can be hired in addition to the main church.
Following the service, our grounds and the surrounding Cheshire countryside offer stunning backdrops for photographs and we have many stylish reception venues within a 30-minute drive.
See below for more information on booking and eligibility.
Planning and Particulars
Booking your wedding begins with an initial correspondence between the engaged couple and the Rector Colin Wilson. This is to ensure that our church is, in all respects, an appropriate venue for your special day.
To get started, please complete the form below, and scroll down for additional information on eligibility.
Wedding Information
Who can get married at St. James the Great, Gawsworth?
You are welcome to be married at St. James the Great if just one of the following applies;
• One of you lives in the parish.
• One of you was baptised in or prepared for confirmation in the parish.
• One of you has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more.
• One of your parents has lived in the parish for six months or more in your lifetime.
• One of your parents had regularly attended public worship on the parish for six months or more in your lifetime.
• One of your parents or grandparents were married in the parish.
If you can provide evidence that you satisfy one of the above criteria you will normally be married at St. James the Great by Banns of Marriage. This means your intention to get married is announced on three consecutive Sundays in the months prior to your wedding, normally during the 10.00am service. If you live elsewhere you will also need to arrange for your Banns read in your local Parish Church in the three months before the wedding. When this has happened you collect a Banns Certificate which you pass on to the Rector, confirming that the Banns have been read and that there has been no legal objection to your marriage.
What about marriage after divorce?
If one or both of you has been married before and has a former spouse still living, it may be possible for you to get married in church. The Church of England requires that all couples in this situation answer various questions when they meet with the Rector.
What do we need to do next?
If you think you are eligible to be married at St. James the Great, please contact our Rector, the Revd. Colin Wilson, to make an appointment. The purpose of the meeting is to confirm your eligibility to get married at St. James the Great, to complete the paperwork and to book the date of the wedding. It is also an opportunity for the Rector to begin to get to know you, to explain what the church will be offering you now, and in the future, and to help to personalise your wedding service, and so make it as special as possible.
How much does it all cost and when do we pay?
The overall cost of the wedding depends upon what you want. There are statutory (legal) fees set out by the Church of England, plus additional fees charged by the Parish for our services provided, for example, heating during the winter months. In 2022 the cost for a summer wedding, including the Organist is £692. If desired, bellringers and a choir may also be provided at an additional cost. The Rector will be happy to talk you through this in detail, including payment arrangements, when you book your wedding.
Marriage preparation
• About three months before your wedding we will contact you to arrange a meeting with the Rector, or whoever else might be conducting the service. This time the focus is on your wedding service, as we think about the meaning of the words you are going to say and go through your Order of Service.
• Prior to your wedding there is always a rehearsal for the couple, the best man, the bridesmaids and anyone else involved in the bridal party, usually the day before.
Your wedding will be the most important day of your life, which is why the Rector and all at St. James the Great will do all we can to make it special for you!