We’re here …..
St Mary’s Church,
Bagwell Lane, Winchfield,
Hampshire RG27 8DB
Contact during the week is through the Benefice Office
in St John’s Church in Hartley Wintney:
Phone: 01252 842215 ext 25 Email: Church Office
© Winchfield Parochial Church Council, 2026.
What are Banns of Marriage?
If you wish to have a wedding within a parish of the Church of England, then it is likely that you will need to have your Marriage Banns read out in church for a marriage to be lawful and comply with UK Civil and Church Law.
Banns are just an announcement of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place. Banns must be called (i.e. read out) in the parish where each of you live as well as the parish church in which you are to be married, if that is somewhere else. You must have your Banns called in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is often done over three Sundays that may be, but do not have to be, consecutive. After the calling of your Banns, your wedding must be solemnized within three months.
Why all the fuss?
It seems like an archaic practice which hardly makes any sense at all in modern times. Why is this is all necessary? The simple reason is that it is the law, albeit ancient law! The rationale behind the law was that in days past people would have known who the people were who were getting married and they would know if there was a valid reason to object to the marriage.
The reasons why a marriage might be unlawful are quite specific and include such things as the bride and groom being close blood relatives; the bride or groom being under duress; or being already married to somebody else.
Having said that, it is nothing to worry about and it can be quite nice to come along to church and hear you name read out, so come along if you can.
Is There A Fee For Having Our Banns Read?
Yes, there is a charge of £36 for having your Banns read and an additional charge of £17 if a certificate is needed because you are getting married elsewhere. The Church of England sets the fee centrally for us, and you can pay this to us through the Benefice Office in St John’s in Hartley Wintney by internet banking, cheque or cash.
What Do We Do With Our Banns Certificate?
When your Banns have been read, we will issue you a Banns certificate which you must show to the Parish Priest who is marrying you.
How Do I Arrange For My Banns To Be Read?
If you live in the parish and wish to get married in St Mary’s in Winchfield, see our Wedding page for information about getting married in St Mary’s. If you live in the parish and you’re getting married in a church elsewhere, you’ll need to let us know so we can read your Banns. Please use the contact the Benefice Office in St John’s in Hartley Wintney to enquire about having your Banns read at St Mary’s Church in Winchfield.
