We love meeting couples who are getting married in other churches, but who live in our Parish of Hatfield Hyde, on the east side of Welwyn Garden City. We understand that there are so often really wonderful reasons for this – whether family connections, marrying in a church that is special to you or near where you used to live, or that your fiancé(e) lives in a different parish.

What are Banns of Marriage?

Banns of Marriage are an ancient and deeply practical tradition. They are an announcement of your intention to marry one another, to the community where you live. It’s also a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why your marriage may not lawfully take place. Banns have been read for millions of couples over centuries – they are an ancient legal tradition.

Your Banns need to be read in the parish church of both the bride and groom, and in the church where you are getting married. For some people, this just means one church, for other couples it might mean your banns are read in three churches!

When should our Banns be read?

Banns are read over three Sundays in the three months before your wedding. We like to start reading your banns as soon as we can in that three month period so that it’s all completed in really good time.

Should we come to hear our Banns read? What about our family?

After your forthcoming marriage is announced, the congregation may be invited to pray for you both. It can be quite special and moving to hear this, so do come along if you can.

As well as being a legal requirement, your banns readings are special public occasions when people in church hear of your intention to marry. It’s an exciting and happy time, so you’re welcome to invite your family and friends to hear your banns too, if you’d like.

Are you our Parish Church? If you’re not sure if we are your parish church, you can check on A Church Near You by putting in your postcode. Your parish church isn’t always the closest church to you – it will depend on where you live in relation to the parish boundaries. If you’re still not sure, ask the priest who is marrying you, or get in touch and we can check for you.

How do we arrange our Banns to be read at St Mary Magdalene?

In order to read your banns, we will need to meet so that one of the Clergy can verify your proof of identity and address documents, and to book the dates for reading your banns in church.

Please contact us, including the full address of both bride and groom, so that we can double check that we are the right church to read your banns, and we can arrange a time to meet and book your dates. This is usually straight after our Sunday service.

Please ensure that you contact us in good time – we usually start reading your banns three months before your wedding day, so that you receive your certificate in good time before your wedding for a stress-free experience!

I’m getting married in less than three weeks! Help!

If you are reading this less than three Sundays before your wedding – don’t panic! If there is not enough notice given for the banns to be read before the marriage is due to take place, or if one or both of you are British but do not live in England (or Wales), the Common Licence procedure needs to be used rather than banns. Contact the priest who is marrying you for more information.