Can we get married at St Mary Magdalene?

Very likely, yes. Church of England weddings are open to couples with a connection to the parish — most commonly living here, though there are several other qualifying connections too. If none applies yet, you can usually create one by worshipping with us regularly for six months. Get in touch with Ryan and he'll help you work out your options.

Do we have to live in the parish to marry here?

Not necessarily. Living in the parish is the most common connection, but you may also qualify through being baptised here, having a parent who lives in the parish, or other family links set out in church law. If you have no connection yet, attending services regularly for six months creates one.

Do we have to be regular churchgoers?

No. You don't need to be a churchgoer to marry in church, and many couples who marry here aren't regular worshippers. The one exception is if your only route to qualifying is the six-months' attendance connection — but otherwise there's no expectation that you come along on Sundays.

What's the first step to arranging a wedding?

Get in touch with Revd Ryan Gilfeather, our Priest-in-Charge, at ryan@st-mary-magdalene.org.uk or 07397 785032. He'll talk through your connection to the parish, look at dates, and explain what's involved, including banns.

What are banns, and do we need them?

Banns are the church's way of announcing that you intend to marry, read in church on three Sundays before the wedding. Most Church of England weddings need them. See our banns of marriage page (/life-events/banns-of-marriage) for the full detail.

How much does a church wedding cost?

There's a statutory fee set nationally by the Church of England for the marriage service and for calling banns, plus charges for heating and a verger, and optional extras such as an organist or flowers. The fees change each year, so contact Ryan for current amounts.

Can we choose our own music and readings?

Yes. You're welcome to choose hymns, readings and music for your service, and the minister will help you shape the day so it feels like yours.

St Mary MagdaleneWelwyn Garden City

Celebrate Your Marriage, St Mary Magdalene Church Weddings

Published 2nd Jun 2026

Find out about Weddings at St Mary Magdalene

Getting married at St Mary Magdalene is personal, meaningful, spiritual and beautiful – just as you want your wedding to be. A church is so much more than simply a venue for your wedding. We are here for you as you prepare to be married, on the day itself, and after your wedding, to support you throughout your life and marriage together.

Our beautiful church building on Hollybush Lane provides a historic and sacred backdrop for your vows. Find directions and see our location on the Contact Us page.

A bespoke ceremony just for you

The marriage service can blend ancient tradition and modern experiences and expressions to reflect your story as a couple. Every wedding is unique, and our priest, Ryan Gilfeather, will take time to get to know you and help you plan a service which is personal, memorable, meaningful and beautiful. A Church of England wedding ceremony offers a unique blend of sacred promises and personal touches.

The difference a church wedding makes

A church wedding adds a spiritual dimension to your marriage – at the heart of the service is the love that you share together, and the love that God has for you. God’s blessing is the main attraction for many couples, whatever their beliefs.

In a church wedding you will make ancient vows, or promises. You can only make vows this big in a church. They will help you to stay together and grow together. God, and your church community at St Mary Magdalene are here to help you keep your vows. Find out more about our community on the Church Life page.

Couples have been married here at St Mary Magdalene for almost 140 years. When you marry in church, you will become part of the history of this place – perhaps marrying in the same church as your family members, or where you were christened. We know these sorts of connections can make your day even more special.

For some people, getting married in church just seems like the proper place to get married. There is an atmosphere in church which is peaceful and serene; the centuries of prayer have soaked into the very fabric of the building. You might also consider our Parish Centre or Upper Hall for related gatherings or preparations, conveniently located nearby.

May their marriage be life-giving and life-long, enriched by your presence and strengthened by your grace; may they bring comfort and confidence to each other in faithfulness and trust. – from the marriage service

Important Legal Steps: Banns of Marriage

Unless you have a special licence, you will usually need to have your Banns of Marriage read before your wedding day. This is a legal requirement and a lovely tradition announcing your intention to marry. You can find details on how this works, especially if you live outside the parish, on our Banns of Marriage page.

Find out more

To find out more about getting married at St Mary Magdalene, Welwyn Garden City, or to enquire about having your banns of marriage read if you live in our parish but are planning to get married in a different church, please use our Contact Us page or email bookings@st-mary-magdalene.org.uk.

The Church of England ‘Your Church Wedding’ website has lots of really helpful information about getting married in church, including frequently asked questions, and ideas for readings and music for your service.

Celebrating weddings is a joyful part of our ministry here in Welwyn Garden City. Like all our work, including supporting families through christenings and funerals, and maintaining our beautiful church and Parish Centre, we rely on generosity. If you'd like to support the ongoing work of St Mary Magdalene, you can find out more on our Donations page.

Getting married at St Mary Magdalene: your questions answered

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