Marriage at St Columba’s
The Ministers and Congregation of St Columba’s are delighted that you are thinking about getting married at St Columba’s. There is much to plan and consider before final decisions are made. Our overall aim is to help you make your wedding day happy and holy, memorable and meaningful.
First Steps
Please call the Church Office on 0207 584 2321 or fill in the Marriage Application Form online. Indicate your preferred date(s) on the form or with the office. Once the form has been submitted the minister will be in touch with you to organise a time to meet with you as a couple. This meeting is an informal opportunity for the minister to get to know you and vice versa.
The minister will explain the necessary legal procedure and the content of the marriage service. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions. It is expected that one of our ministers will officiate and be in sole charge of the service. The involvement of other ministers is possible, but should be discussed well in advance.
Marriage Application Form
All fields are required.The Building
Your wedding can be large or small, elaborate or simple. The main church easily accommodates up to five hundred people. Alternatively the London Scottish Regimental Chapel offers a lovely intimate space for up to fifty.
St Columba’s has lift and ramp access and disabled toilet facilities. The church is fitted with an induction loop system for those who use hearing aids.
Legalities
It is a strict legal requirement that notices of marriage should be given to the Registrar of Marriages in the registration districts in which both the bride and groom live. You will find your local registry office online or in the telephone directory. The Registrar will issue the Certificates of Permission to Marry. Once these have been issued please lodge them with the Church Office for safe keeping. The wedding service cannot go ahead without these documents.
Music for your Wedding
St Columba’s has a fantastic organist, professional choir and access to other fabulous musicians. Music can be arranged with our Director of Music, Mr Ben Lewis-Smith (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He will consult you on music you would like before, during and after the service.
Some things to consider are;
a) What music would you like before the service?
b) What music would you like for the bride to enter to and leave by?
c) What hymns, if any, would you like?
d) What music would you like during the signing of the register?
Beadle
There will be a beadle on duty the day of your wedding. The Beadle is there to assist the minister before, during and after the ceremony, calm a nervous bride, explain to your ushers where they may direct your guests, operate the microphones and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Ushers and Seating
There may be no need to think about seating. If you are having a small wedding you may want your guests to sit where they feel comfortable. On the other hand, you may want to think about a seating plan beforehand. By custom the bride and her family/friends sit on the left hand side of the church (looking towards the communion table/front of the church) and the groom and his friends and family on the right. During the service the bride and groom will sit side by side on chairs on the lectern side of the church.
Each pew can sit eight adults comfortably. We encourage the attendance of children. If they wish children are welcome to use the Children’s Corner at the back of the church accompanied by an adult.
Photography & Filming
We request that there is no photography during the service. Due to copyright law, if you wish to film the service this will increase the musical fees. This must be arranged in advance.
Flowers
You are more than likely to have flowers in the church for your wedding. Whilst we appreciate the donation of flowers after the event, we ask for only one pedestal to be left and if you have more than one in the church, the rest to be collected before the Sunday morning service.
We recommend florist Lalage Barran – 02086752277 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. However you are more than welcome to use your own.
Florists can confirm with the church office when they can gain access to complete arrangements.
Receptions & Hospitality at St Columba’s
A wedding does not have to be the most expensive event ever! We can offer our excellent halls (Lower & Upper) at substantially cheaper rates than most alternative venues. Please speak with the church office if you want to discuss this in more detail.
Costs
Use of St Columba’s Church when the persons concerned are NOT members of St Columba’s.
| When the service is in the Church | £641.00 |
| When the service is in the Chapel | £210 |
| Minister’s Fee | £210 |
Music
| Organist | £225.00 |
| Singers | £125.00 (per singer) |
| Trumpeter | £175.00 (per trumpet) |
Other musicians can be arranged upon request.
(Please note: Fees are doubled if any form of recording/video is made)
Beadle’s Fee - £130.00
Livestream team - £100.00
Donations/Fees
Please note that there is no fee for members of St Columba’s for the Minister. However, you may consider giving a donation to “The Minister’s Discretionary Fund”. This provides funds to be used for events/activities that enhance the cultural and spiritual life of St Columba’s but cannot be funded by congregational funds i.e. for a visiting speaker or concert recital. Should you wish for a collection to be made at the end of the service in aid of St Columba’s or a charity of your choice, please make the Ministers aware when you meet with them.
We will send an invoice for the wedding service one month ahead of the service for payment.
Rehearsals
In normal circumstances a rehearsal will be held in the Church the day before the wedding.
Contact Details
For any questions or queries please contact Stef Christ, Church Office Manager on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 584 2321.