Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables people to love and support each other in good times and in bad.
For Christians, it is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.
Chichester Cathedral is bound by strict regulations as to who is legally permitted to get married here, and those who are not residents of the Cathedral Close must apply for a Special Marriage Licence. To qualify for this, the couple must have what is referred to in law as a “present and demonstrable connection” with Chichester Cathedral, meaning that either you or your partner must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You are listed on the Cathedral Roll (i.e. you are already known to the Cathedral clergy and have been a regular worshipper at the Cathedral for at least six months)
- Any of your parents are or have been regular worshippers at the Cathedral
- You have a strong past link specifically to the Cathedral in some official capacity (e.g. you were formerly a Cathedral chorister)
If you meet any of these criteria, please contact the Liturgy and Music Manager to begin a formal conversation.
More information about Special Marriage Licences can be found the Faculty Office website>>
Marriage Blessing
Chichester Cathedral welcomes enquiries from members of its community to hold a thanksgiving service after a wedding. To make an enquiry, please contact the Liturgy and Music Manager.
‘Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.’
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7