Weddings and Blessings at St Mary's Church

If one of you lives within the parish of Plympton St. Mary, you are eligible to be married in the parish church; however, we do not offer the marriage service after divorce. There is a service of prayer and dedication after civil marriage (‘Blessing’) that the Vicar would be happy to discuss. This may also be of interest to those who have chosen to be married in an exotic location, but would like a further ceremony at home so that family and friends can be present.

If you live outside the parish, but worship on a regular basis at St. Mary’s you are eligible to be married here (on the same basis as above) provided that you are on the church electoral roll. Please contact the Vicar if there are any matters that you would like to discuss (01752 336157).

The First Step

You can either telephone the Vicar to discuss your wedding plans, or make enquiries at the parish office, (weekday mornings 9am-noon, 01752 348525). You will need a ‘first interview’ with one of the clergy. These usually take place on a Saturday morning, and you will need to phone the parish office to book this.

At the First Interview

You will be able to choose the date and time of your wedding: on Saturdays the times are 12, 1.15pm, 2.30pm. You will need to supply some information. It is helpful if you bring your birth certificates with you. You will be asked for a deposit of £50 – this will be deducted from the final cost. If you are booking a year or two in advance, the clergy will be able to give you a rough idea of the cost of your wedding, although the exact fee will not be available until later. You will be given a leaflet giving guidance about a wedding in church.

Preparing for your Wedding

We are committed to supporting and helping all couples getting married at St. Mary’s as much as we can. We will write to you, to let you know the dates of the marriage preparation sessions we run. These usually take place in the October, January and February before your wedding. You will be given a choice of dates, and asked to attend one session, either on a Friday evening or a Saturday morning. You will meet other couples like yourselves, preparing for marriage, the clergy, and some married couples from the congregation. Those who have attended these sessions to date have commented on their enjoyment of this time together. Couples are given a ‘wedding pack’ with all the information they need.

We also hold an evening of Wedding Music when the Director of Music introduces a range of organ music, hymns and choir items to help you choose the music that will make your wedding day really special. This is held early in the year, on a Friday evening.

Before your wedding day, you will have a second interview with the clergy to make the final plans for your service and a rehearsal, usually a few days before the wedding.

Getting married somewhere else, but need to have Banns called here?

You will need to see one of the clergy to make the arrangements for this. Please telephone the Parish Office (weekday mornings, 9am-noon 01752 348525) to make an appointment, which is usually on a Saturday morning. When the banns have been called a certificate will be issued for you to take to the church where you will be married. (2006 fee is £30).

Special Anniversaries and Celebrations of Marriage

We are delighted to arrange services of thanksgiving for marriage. Please contact the Vicar for more information.

Wedding Fees 2006

Further information is available upon request.

‘Basic Wedding’ after banns, to include church fees, organist & other local fees: £385
With the bells, (add £80): £465
With the bells and the choir (add £80 & £35): £500