The new Church of England Marriage Measure 2008 came into force on 1st October 2008 and extends the legal right to be married in a parish church. The new rules mean that a couple may be married in a church in a parish if either person:
- was baptised in the parish (this does not apply where the baptism formed part of a combined service of baptism or confirmation); or,
- had his or her confirmation entered in a church register book of a church or chapel in the parish; or,
- has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months; or
- has at any time habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least six months;
OR
- A parent of that person has at any time during that person's lifetime:-
- had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months; or
- habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least six months;
OR
- a parent or grandparent of that person was married in the parish.
For more information see The Church of England Marriage Measure 2008.