It is a legal requirement that your banns of marriage are published before you get married. This means the Church publishes your intent to marry so that anyone who knows of a genuine legal reason why the union can not happen may lodge an objection. A valid objection must be something recognised in law as prohibiting your ability to marry. It does not mean that someone who wishes to cause trouble, or who is simply not happy with the idea of your wedding can prevent you getting married.
Banns are usually called on three successive Sundays at our 11am Sung Mass within a three month period before the wedding. It is almost unknown for any objection ever to be made. A certificate proving that no objection was made must then be given to the priest officiating at the wedding.
Banns must be called in the Church of England parishes in which both bride and groom are resident. If you both live in the same parish, then banns only need to be published in one parish. Banns should only be published at St Benet’s if you live within the boundaries of our parish, which are shown here.
Please be in touch with Fr Peter if you would like to have your banns published at St Benet’s. You need to fill in this Banns application form and return it to him. There is a standard fee of £40 (as of Jan 2016) required to be charged by all churches for the publication of banns and the issuing of a certificate.