Weddings at St Bart’s
There has been a long tradition of weddings and blessings at this beautiful church which, with its grandeur, striking ancient beauty, and fine music, has shared in the happiness of many couples.
Whether it is a quiet, simple service in the Lady Chapel or a full, flower-bedecked wedding at the High Altar with professional choir, marked by the peals of the oldest bells in London, we endeavour to meet all requirements with thoughtful care and efficiency.
The first step is to make contact with our Liturgical Events Manager, who will be able to discuss the logistics of a wedding and explore possible dates. He will also discuss dates to meet with one of the clergy and any of the practical questions you might want to consider. He will also send you our Wedding Brochure, which explores all of the main questions a couple might have while planning a church wedding.
The Service
What the service itself looks like is one of the most important things to decide on, as this will frame the day (and be the way you start your married life together. There are three marriage services available in the Church of England and we are happy to conduct them all. These links give you an idea of how the services are usually followed here at St Bartholomew the Great - click through and have a look.
1662 Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer, which is the old familiar service, most often used in films and most royal weddings. This, for example, was the service substantially used by Queen Elizabeth II and the late Duke of Edinburgh when they married in 1947.
1928 Alternative Prayer Book
The 1928 revised prayer book, which is in the traditional language but was revised in the 20s – it’s perhaps a bit less poetic but approaches it in a slightly less awkwardly “earthy” manner. It was used by the Prince & Princess of Wales for their wedding.
2000 Common Worship
The third is the modern version from Common Worship. What it loses in poetry it gains in clarity.
This is the version used by the Duke & Duchess of Sussex for their wedding.
Music
St Bartholomew the Great has one of the best choirs of any London church and can provide music of excellent quality for weddings and blessings. With professional singers, many of whom sing in London’s opera houses, you have the full range of music from the Western choral tradition to choose from.
