The days a church is for.
Birth, marriage, faith and death: four occasions the parish church has kept for everyone who lives here, whether or not you were at the last carol service. Ask. Nobody will test you on it.
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For a baby or a child
Christenings
A christening is the church's welcome to a child, and a promise made in front of everyone who loves them. You do not have to be a regular on a Sunday to ask for one, and you do not have to be certain about very much. Most families start with a conversation, come to a service or two, and pick a date that suits the people who matter.
The full guide at churchofengland.org (opens in a new tab) -
Getting married here
Weddings
You are very likely to have the right to marry in one of our churches, and the connection needed is often smaller than people expect - living in the parish, worshipping here, or a family tie to the place. Ring first and we will work out which church you qualify for and what the banns or licence involve before you settle on a date.
The full guide at churchofengland.org (opens in a new tab) -
Being baptised yourself
Adult baptism
If you were never christened, or you have come to faith later and want to say so publicly, baptism is how that is marked. Grown-up baptisms are usually prepared over a few unhurried weeks, often alongside confirmation, and they happen in the ordinary Sunday service with the congregation there to answer for you.
The full guide at churchofengland.org (opens in a new tab) -
When someone dies
Funerals
A funeral can be held in church, at the crematorium, or at the graveside, and a burial or the interment of ashes can follow later. Your funeral director will usually contact us, but you are welcome to ring us first - before any arrangements are made, and whether or not the person who died ever came to church.
The full guide at churchofengland.org (opens in a new tab)
Ask us first, not last.
A phone call or an email settles most of it - which church, which dates are free, what the law asks of you, and what it costs. None of it commits you to anything.
Revd. Rebecca Rock Priest-in-Charge [email protected]