Banns of Marriage

If a marriage takes place in the Church of England it is normal for Banns to be published first. This is an ancient practice designed to stop unlawful marriages - for example, where one of the parties is already married.

Banns are published in the parish church, at the main Sunday service. The parish priest ‘calls’ the banns by reading the following words:

"I publish the banns of marriage between Name of [the parish of ....] and Name of [this parish]. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are to declare it."

Banns are called on three separate Sundays, and must be called 3 months, or less, before the marriage. They are called in the parish in which the marriage is to take place and in any other parish in which one of the partners resides.

If you live in the Parish of Wick, but are to be married elsewhere please call the Vicarage on 01903 724990 to arrange for your banns to be called.

In 2011 the charge for calling banns and issuing a certificate is £34. Cheques to ‘The Revd Stephen Hudson Fees A/C’