Getting married
Marrying in a place of religious worship
Church of England
If you wish to have a Church of England wedding, you should speak to the vicar of the church. It is generally required that you or your partner should live in the parish or attend the church regularly. When you have spoken to the vicar, he or she will arrange for banns to be called or for a common license to be issued. If one of you lives in a different parish, you will need to arrange for banns to be called there too.
In the case of a Church of England wedding there is no need to contact the Register Office unless the vicar advises this.
Churches and places of religious worship other than Church of England
You should first contact the minister or person in charge of marriages at the building in which you would like to be married.
If you are planning a religious wedding ceremony that is not Church of England, you must give notice of intention to marry to the Superintendent Registrar of the district in which you live. If either of you is subject to immigration control, please contact the Home Office as soon as possible. Both parties must be present and if attending York, should ring 01904 554477 to make an appointment.
The Bar Convent
The Bar Convent is the oldest living convent in England. Dating to 1769, the convent's chapel was designed by the architect Thomas Atkinson and is available for Catholic weddings and ceremonies. For more information or to check availability, please contact 01904 643238 or email info@bar-convent.org.uk .
York Register Office
When choosing a register office ceremony, the City of York Registration Service is thought to offer the best register office venue in the North of England - if not the whole country. Friendly, experienced staff ensure that couples are given all the help they need for a most memorable day.
You can tailor your day to suit your needs but you have to inform the superintendent at the Register officein advance. He would happily personalise the format and content of the ceremony to suit you as long as any changes comply with the legal restrictions which do not allow any religious reference.
Walk down the aisle to music of your choice, customise your ceremony with poems and readings or enrich the occasion by composing your own vows. Involve those most dear to you by having them give away the bride or bring forward the rings.For more information or an informal chat, please contact York Register Office:
Tel: 01904 654477
Fax: 01904 638090
Email: registrar@york.gov.uk
Or simply call in at 56 Bootham, York YO30 7DA