Marriage Measure 2008 Qualifying Connections

1          The Marriage Measure 2008 will come into force on 1 October.  It will make asubstantial difference to the existing arrangements.  The concept of ‘residence’ will be supplemented by a new range of qualifying connections (it does not replace the residence test, merely expands the range of qualifying connections with the parish church in question).

2          So in addition to residence in the parish or inclusion on the electoral roll, any couple may be married in any parish church provided that

One of the persons concerned:

• was baptised in the parish; or
• has been confirmed and the confirmation has beenentered in a church register book belonging to the parish, (this would havebeen done on the basis that the person concerned was prepared for confirmationin the parish); or
• has at any time had his or her usual place ofresidence in the parish for at least 6 months; or
• has at any time habitually attended publicworship in the parish for at least 6 months;

or

• That person’s parent has at any time during theperson’s lifetime:
• had his or her usual place of residence in theparish for at least 6 months; or
• habitually attended public worship in the parishfor at least 6 months;

or

2.3       That person’s parent or grandparent was married in the parish.

(In this list references to being baptised, confirmed or married, orattending public worship, all refer to Church of England services.)

3          Common licences may be issued on the same basis.

For further advice and guidance, please refer to the Church of England website, here