Arranging Your Wedding

at St Hugh of Lincoln, Buckden Towers

A Joyful Beginning

We are delighted that you are considering celebrating your marriage at St Hugh of Lincoln.

Your wedding day is one of the most important moments in your life. In the Catholic Church, marriage is not simply a ceremony or a legal commitment—it is a sacrament, a sacred promise in which you give yourselves to one another before God, asking for His grace to sustain you throughout your lives together.

At St Hugh’s, we are here to support you—not only in planning your wedding day, but in preparing for the lifelong vocation of marriage.

Getting Started: Making Contact

Your first step is simple: get in touch with the parish.

We encourage you to contact the Parish Priest as early as possible—ideally at least six months before your proposed wedding date. This allows sufficient time for preparation and ensures that everything can be arranged with care.

Before confirming any reception venues or other bookings, it is important to speak with the parish to check availability.

At your first meeting, you will have the opportunity to:
– Share your hopes and plans for your wedding
– Discuss possible dates and times
– Begin to explore the meaning of marriage in the Church
– Start the formal preparation process

This conversation is relaxed and welcoming—there is no need to feel anxious. It is simply the beginning of a journey we will walk with you.

Preparing for Marriage in the Church

Freedom to Marry

Before a wedding can take place, the Church must confirm that both parties are free to marry. This is done through a process called the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry.

As part of this, you will be asked to provide:
– A recent copy of your Baptism certificate (issued within the last six months)
– Your Confirmation certificate (if applicable)
– A form of identification
– Any relevant documents relating to previous marriages (if applicable)

Your priest will guide you through this process step by step.

Marriage Preparation

All couples are asked to take part in a period of marriage preparation. This is not simply a requirement—it is an opportunity.

This usually includes:
A Marriage Preparation Day: A day spent with other engaged couples, reflecting on communication, commitment, and the place of faith in married life.

Parish-Based Preparation:
You may also meet with the priest or a trained couple for more personal conversations.

Many couples find that this preparation becomes a valuable and enriching part of their journey together.

Completing the Formalities

As your wedding approaches, the necessary paperwork will be completed with you in the parish.

This includes signing documents and finalising your marriage file.

Please note that this stage normally takes place within six months of the wedding.

If you are getting married elsewhere, the parish will help ensure documentation is transferred correctly.

Planning Your Wedding Liturgy

You will be guided in planning your ceremony, including:
– Choosing readings from Scripture
– Selecting prayers
– Choosing appropriate music
– Deciding between a Nuptial Mass or Wedding Service

The parish will help you make these choices so that the celebration reflects the sacred nature of the occasion.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Who can marry in a Catholic Church?

At least one person must be a baptised Catholic, and both must be free to marry. Mixed marriages are welcome with appropriate permissions.

Where can the wedding take place?

Catholics are normally married in their own parish church. Other arrangements can be made with permission.

Is there a fee?

There is no fixed charge for a Catholic wedding. A donation to the parish is usually invited.

A Journey, Not Just a Day

It is easy to focus on the wedding day itself—but the Church invites you to see this as the beginning of something much greater.

Your preparation is a time to deepen your relationship, reflect on your values, and grow in faith together.

Marriage is a lifelong journey, and this preparation helps to lay strong foundations for the years ahead.

Next Steps

If you are considering getting married at St Hugh’s, we warmly invite you to speak to the Parish Priest after Mass or contact the Parish Office to arrange an initial meeting.

We look forward to accompanying you as you begin this important new chapter of your lives.ries trust” and if sent by post addressed to the Parish Secretary.