Marriage

The hands of a Bride and Groom looking at an order of service.

Many people choose to be married at St Mary’s and St Catherine’s, and we are delighted to help them at such a joyful time in their lives.

A marriage service is a public declaration of love and commitment to your partner.

A wedding is one day – a marriage is a lifetime

If you choose to get married in church, there is an added dimension – the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that his resources and strength are available to help you.

Including God in your marriage doesn’t mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that God’s love will sustain you. You will also have the support and encouragement of the Christian Church family.

You have probably already spent many hours planning your wedding. There are so many things to think about – the dress, the cake, whom to invite, the honeymoon. All of these are important, but the wedding is just one day, while marriage should last for the rest of your lives. Alongside the wedding preparations it is also important to spend time as a couple talking through your expectations of marriage.

We invite all couples who are getting married in St Mary’s or St Catherine’s to an afternoon event – a fun time we hope – to help prepare not just for the day but to think through a range of issues that affect all of our lives.
Photo credit: Sarah Minchin Photography.

Testimonials

Amanda and I were happily married at St Mary’s Church in August 2025. All arrangements that we made with the church and Thame Barns Centre went completely as planned and without any problems. The church team were supportive throughout the big day, before and after and we really cannot recommend them highly enough. The church itself is a lovely building and we had a wonderful day, that we will always remember.

Nick and AmandaMarried at St Mary’s in August 2025

We had such a wonderful wedding and it was fantastic to be able to get married in our Church.
The whole process and build up was truly special and we will cherish that forever. Mike, Andy, Jackie, Graham and everybody have been so great and thank you for all you help and care in making the ceremony as special as it was, we truly appreciate it.

Rosie and LucasMarried at St Mary’s in August 2025

Our wedding at St Mary’s Church was simply perfect. The church is stunning, but it was the warmth of Rev’d Mike and the care from Jackie that made the day truly special. The service felt relaxed, joyful, and welcoming for everyone, and everything ran seamlessly thanks to their support. We couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful or meaningful place to begin our marriage, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend St Mary’s to any couple.

Ella and LewisMarried at St Mary’s in July 2025

Get in touch

Contact Us

Weddings at Thame Church 2026 Download

St Catherine’s Marriage Information Leaflet Download

Helpful Resources

Diocese of Oxford – Marriage
Your Church Wedding. Click here.

FAQs

Can we get married at St Mary’s or St Catherine’s?

Yes, if you live in the Thame Parish. Anyone who lives in the Parish of Thame has the right to get married in St Mary’s, and in addition you can also be married in St Mary’s if you can show that one of you:
• has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
• was baptised in the parish concerned or
• was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
• has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
• has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
• has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
That one of your parents or grandparents:
• was married in the parish

We are also required by law to have proof of your identity and your residence.

What’s the process to arrange our wedding day?

Please use the enquiry form to let us know that you are interested. A member of the admin team will then in touch to get the necessary information and to arrange a provisional date.

You will be asked to fill out a marriage details form which will inform the marriage certificate, a Banns form, and to show your id.

We will also ask you and your future spouse to attend our Everlasting Love workshop (usually held in late January). Everlasting Love is an afternoon for engaged couples to enjoy a meal together and spend time nurturing their relationship. This is also an opportunity for couples to talk through the finer details of the wedding with members of the Thame Church team.