Under a law introduced… [earlier this week], brides and grooms are no longer restricted to marrying in their local parish and can hold their wedding in any church around the country to which they are linked – even if it is just where their grandparents were married.
Bishop Cottrell said: “People who are serious about getting married naturally want a marriage ceremony and a setting which is equally serious.
“Only the church provides this – but until now it has been difficult to get married in church unless it is in the parish where you live or where you regularly worship.
“But from today those who have a connection with the church can be married in the church where they have that connection…”
I agree with this. My strongest and fondest memories are of being in church with my grandmother during holiday visits. Places we are connected too by time and history form us in unique ways and become part of our heritage. Hopefully, many couples will now be able to get married in a church in which they have fond memories and a sense of unique connection. Now, let clergy beef up pre-marital requirements/counseling and be more intentional about helping couples married in church to live out their vocation in the church.