Churches and other religious buildings

If you are planning a church wedding you should first seek the permission of the Minister or governing body before you can make any other arrangements.

If you wish to be married in the Church of England (and generally you will only be able to do so if you or your partner live in the parish) you should contact the Vicar of the Parish. If able to marry you, he or she will arrange for Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony, or for a common licence to be issued. There is generally no need to involve the Superintendent Registrar.

If you are getting married in any other church or religious building you will need to give a Notice of Marriage to the Superintendent Registrar of the district where you live.

Some churches (although not the Church of England) require the attendance of a Registrar at a wedding, whereas others have their own authorised person. If you will need a Registrar from this office to attend your ceremony you should book this with us as far in advance as possible.

Some of the churches within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are licensed for worship but not for marriage ceremonies. If you are unsure whether your chosen church is licensed for marriages then please check with the pastor or priest at the church.

Please note that under the current legislation it is not possible for same sex couples to form a civil partnership in a church or other religious building.