If you marry in church, your family, your friends and God promise to support you.  We welcome you to consider having your special day at St Mary’s Parish Church in the grounds of Portchester Castle, which has been described as ‘one of the most stunning wedding venues in Hampshire.’

We encourage you to look at the Church Of England’s Wedding Website, which has lots of good ideas and guidance.

You don’t have to be a Christian, or even a churchgoer, to get married in your local parish church.  By law, everyone who lives within the parish boundary, or has another qualifying connection with St Mary’s Church can be married here. To see whether one of you lives in the parish, use this link to check via your postcode.

Whether you would like a large ceremony or a prefer a smaller more intimate wedding, we can help you make your day special.  We conduct special marriage preparation sessions in which we invite couples to the church where we go through the practical parts of the day and the service itself.  It will also give you a chance to meet the organist and clergy as well as discuss flower arrangements, hymns and readings.  A rehearsal will take place at some time in the week before the wedding with the minister conducting your service.