Our two churches make the most splendid setting for anyone contemplating marriage and we will be pleased to do everything we can to make you marriage service very special.

St. Mary’s on Overton Drive, Wanstead’s Historic Parish Church is Redbridge’s only Grade One listed building, and still retains its original character of 1790. With its gallery it can seat 500 but it is as comfortable and pleasant with 30. Its fine organ speaks clearly into the acoustics of this elegant Georgian church. A small carillon of four bells can be rung before and after the service.

Christ Church on Wanstead Place is the most impressive Victorian Gothic Church designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and with its high spire dominates the green on which it sits. It is surrounded by its own well-tended garden. Again although a large building a smaller congregation will not feel lost in the church. The church has a late Victorian Organ and a full peel of bells, which can be rung before and after the service.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does a marriage service cost? The cost including the legal fees, the organist, flowers and permission to video the service is around £560. It can be less if you want a service without music. There is an additional cost for the carillon at St. Mary’s and bells at Christ Church.

I have been previously married and am now divorced. Can I be married? The parish has an agreed policy for those seeking marriage who have been previously married and whose former partner is still living. Provided the new relationship was not the direct cause of the breakdown of the former marriage, and children from the marriage are being properly cared for and there is no open scandal associated with the breakdown of the marriage we are in principle willing to marry you in church. One of the clergy will need to speak with you in some more detail and we will need to see your decree absolute. Marriage is not usually solemnised in church after more than one divorce.

Can I video the service? Yes – permission to do this is included in the basic fee.

Can I throw confetti? Yes – but please away from the church door!

I have a friend who would like to read or sing at the service? We are very happy for this to happen in the service. Our director is music is always happy to help in choosing music for your service.

Can we have a reading other from the bible (a poem for example)? One reading from the bible is always included but it is quite possible to include another appropriate reading.

We don’t live in Wanstead can we be married in the parish? Yes… but if you live outside the parish you will need to be on the Electoral Roll in order for us to be legally able to marry you in this parish. To do this one of you will need to have been baptised and to have attended services of a regular basis for a period of six months. The clergy will be happy to advise you on this.

If you have other questions please email rector@parishofwanstead.org.

To arrange a wedding:

Please come to Christ Church at 8 pm on a Tuesday. If this time is impossible for you please telephone or email one of the clergy and we will be happy to meet with you.