Weddings at Ferryhill Parish Church
If you are considering marriage then congratulations to you! We are delighted that you should be considering marriage and we rejoice at the love you have found for each other. We hope the information you find here will be useful as you continue to grow in love and commitment to one another.
We believe marriage should be a thing of beauty, blessed by God and fulfilling to both you and your partner. It is important not to rush into marriage and to think carefully about the promises that you will make to each other.
Remember that the wedding day, no matter how big and exciting, is not nearly as important as what follows - your married life together. In the Church we believe marriage to be a binding commitment for the rest of your life and we encourage everyone to set out on their marriage plans with this firmly in mind.
Please note that our minister, Rev Peter Johnston, is registered as an officiant for both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages.
Some of the questions you may have are answered below. If you have any other questions then please contact us.
You can also download a copy of our Wedding Leaflet which has lots of helpful information.
Congratulations again on your decision to make a commitment to one another.
Who can be married in Ferryhill Parish Church?
The short answer is anyone! But please take time to read the long answer too...
Anyone who lives within the bounds of our parish may be married in our churches, by our minister. If you are resident outwith our parish but have a connection with the church, the minister may also agree to conduct your wedding. Every square inch of Scotland is served by a parish church, and it may be appropriate for you to ask the minister of your own parish first. Even people from outwith Scotland could have their wedding service within our church. If you are unsure or would like to check about whether you could be married in the church, please contact the minister.
What are the legal requirements of marriage?
In Scotland, all couples must lodge wedding notices with a local registrar. Couples should visit the registrar around 3 months before the wedding is due to take place (a shorter time may be allowed by arrangement with the registrar). You should direct any legal queries to the registrar at the local council offices in Marischal College. You can get more information from the registrar:
Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Business Hub 3
Ground Floor South
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
Phone: 01224 522616
Fax: 01224 346011
What is the difference between a religious and civil wedding?
Legally, there is no difference.
We believe, however, that being married by a Christian minister that you are making promises not only to each other and before your witnesses (as you would in a civil ceremony) but also before God. The minister also asks God to bless the wedding couple during the service and prays that God will be with them throughout their married life.
Can the minister marry us somewhere other than the church?
We believe that the natural place for you to have a religious wedding ceremony is in the church. The Church of Scotland allows ministers to marry outwith the church building but it is up to each individual minister to decide whether this is appropriate or not.
Our minister would be happy to discuss all possibilities with a couple looking to be married.
If I am divorced can I remarry in the church?
Divorce is not a barrier to getting remarried.
However, a Church of Scotland minister has discretion over remarrying and would want to talk with you about this prior to your wedding ceremony.
What are the costs involved in a church wedding at Ferryhill Parish Church?
Normally the couple would pay for the service of the beadle, the organist, operators of the audio-visual system as required, and a charge for the use of the church (to cover heating and lighting). These charges change from time to time, so please contact us for the current charges.
| Use of church premises | £200 |
| Beadle | £50 |
| Organist (with audio recording (with video recording |
£70 £105) £140) |
| Sound Desk Operator | £50 |
| Live Webstream Operator (if required) | £50 |