Weddings and Baptisms

How to book your Wedding

To marry in a Parish Church there are two qualifications. One of the couple must reside in the Parish or one of them must 'habitually worship' in that Parish. If neither of the couple fulfil either of these qualifications, one or other or both should worship there for 26 weeks in order to qualify to go on to the Electoral Roll of the Church. In order to do this you must have been christened.

Bookings for weddings are made on Tuesdays in the Church between 7 pm and 8 pm. On arrival, the couple will be asked to complete a form, which resembles a marriage certificate. Following this a member of the clergy will interview the couple. After this a booking may be made upon payment of £60. If neither of the couple live in the Parish or are on the Church Electoral Roll a further payment of £300 is required. Proof of residence is required if either of the couple live in the Parish.

There is a course called 'Marriage Matters' held twice a year and all couples are invited to attend. This lasts for five weeks and is held on Sundays after the evening service.
Approximately three months and not before the couple are invited to Church to discuss their requirements for the wedding e.g. organist, choir and bell ringers.

The Banns (Notice of Marriage) are read, if all details are available, the following Sunday and the two following Sundays after this at 10.30am Family Service.

How to book your Baptism in the Parish of Hornchurch

Baptism of babies, children and adults is carried out most Sundays at 4pm. Families who live in the Parish will be visited in their homes by a Baptism Visitor from the church who will give them all the information they need to complete this process. (The process may be slightly different for older children and adults)
Families from outside the Parish must first come to the church where they will meet members of the clergy who will speak to them about the procedure. In all cases contact must be made initially through the Parish Office on 01708 441571.

The Baptism can be carried out at any of the 4 churches in the Parish. St Andrew's High Street, St George's Kenilworth Gardens, St Matthew's Chelmsford Drive or the Church on Suttons Farm in Scotts School. (At St Andrew's there may be four Baptisms at each service, the other churches hold their Baptisms during the morning service at 10.30am)

Families (with as many of the Godparents who can attend) are asked to come to a rehearsal, the date and time of this will be given when the Baptism date is booked.

Baptism in the Parish of Hornchurch is free, but during the service there is a collection to which you may contribute to the work of the church.