Booking a Church Hall

Bookings for the Church Hall or the Mark Kirby Hall may be made in St. Mary's Parish Office (situated at the rear of St. Mary's Hall) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 2pm or by telephone on 01482 843808.

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Getting Married

Whether you've just decided to get married, or your well into the planning, congratulations! The Church believes marriage is the most important expression of human relationships and that in marriage husband and wife come to reflect and live out the love God shows to his people.

Read more about what the Church believes about marriage here

As you plan your wedding at St. Mary's, you will almost certainly have many questions. A few of them are answered here, but as you prepare you should consider coming to one of our services on Sundays, where there will be an opportunity to meet some of the clergy and people who will be involved in your wedding, and/or making contact with one of the clergy through the Parish Office Hour. (See the front page of this website for times of services, see below for details about the Parish Office Hour)

Can I get married at St. Mary's?
You may marry at St. Mary's as long as neither you or your partner have been married before and as long as you have a 'qualifying connection' with the parish. This might be because you live within the parish, or because you are a regular member of one of our congregations.

There are some other connections that you or your partner might have allowing you to have your wedding here; if you feel you fit into this category, then the clergy will want to discuss it with you when you make your visit to the Parish Office Hour.

How can I tell if I live in the Parish?
Click here - this Google Map shows the boundaries of the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Cottingham. Areas that are in the parish are shaded in pink - the boundary line is red. The map will also give you guidance on which parish Church of the Church of England is your local church.

Is it expensive to get married in Church?
A typical wedding in Church can cost as little as £350, or in excess of £600, depending on the things you choose to include, such as music or having the bells of the Church rung. In the time leading up to your wedding day, the clergy will offer advice and information about what is possible.

Can we choose the date of our wedding?
For most couples the answer to this is usually 'yes' - but as you prepare your wedding, please bear in mind that St. Mary's is a popular church for weddings. We cannot guarantee that the date and time you choose will be available. The best advice is to make sure all the venues you choose are available for the date you choose before making a firm booking.

Any other questions?
You are very welcome to contact us by telephone or post, but the best time to speak to one of the clergy will be at the Parish Office Hour, where we can provide you with some printed literature and futher information about having a Christian marriage service in Church, and help you to book a date for your ceremony.

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Having your child baptised

Coming to Church for baptism, as well as being a fitting way to celebrate the birth of a child, is the way in which Christians begin their membership of the Church and their life as disciples of Jesus Christ. In a service of baptism we commit their growth in life and faith to God, praying that He will guide and strengthen both the child's parents, and those who have been chosen to be godparents, in the important role they play in the child's life.

Is being baptised the same as a Christening?
Yes.

What is Baptism?
Baptism, the Church understands, is one part of Christian Initiation, made when the child is too young to answer for themselves in the expectation that when they are old enough, they will come to make their own declaration of faith and be Confirmed. It is an opportunity for Parents and Godparents to declare their Christian faith and to commit themselves to bringing up the child in their care within the life and worship of Christ's Church. For this reason, all parents and godparents must already have been baptised.

When can we have the Christening?
Services of Morning Prayer and Baptism usually take place at St. Mary's on the second Sunday of the month at 11am. It is common for, four children to be baptised at the same service. These are also popular services: if you wish your child to be baptised on a particular date you will need to visit the Parish Office Hour and make your application well in advance.

We don't live in Cottingham, can we still have our child baptised at St. Mary's?
The Church of England is a national church, and - wherever you live - you will have a local parish Church with a geographical parish boundary. If you live outside the parish we will, when discussing your application, about your links with St. Mary's and, if appropriate, we may need to seek the permission of your local Parish Priest to continue.

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Funeral Services

Arrangements for funerals, either in St. Mary's Church or if you would like one of the clergy to officiate at a service in a crematorium, should be made through your Funeral Director.

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Parish Office Hour

The Rector keeps office hours in the Parish Office between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Fridays. Arrangements for Banns, Marriage, Baptism or Churching may be made between these hours.

When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of our congregation, who will offer you tea or coffee and - if you bring your children with you - will direct them to the toy box while you meet the clergy!

Please note that Applications for Marriage and Baptism must be made in the parish office and that when making arrangments for a Wedding, it is important that we meet both you and your partner. If you are unable to make the Office Hour, please telephone and make an appointment to see the Rector.