Church of the Good Shepherd

You can get married in the Church of the Good Shepherd providing that you either live in the parish; or are on the electoral roll; or have a personal connection with the church, e.g. your parents were married here. If you are unsure please 'phone Father Mick Elfred on 01737 813152 or e mail us at enquiries@goodshepherdtadworth.org.uk
Here is your step by step guide to the practicalities of getting married in the church: Decide upon your date and time (N.B. you may need to check out the reception venue first as they usually get booked up more quickly than the church!) 'Phone Father Mick to check that the church is available and make an appointment to complete the initial booking form. Banns of marriage have to be read within a three month period before the date of the wedding; if you are on the electoral roll of the Good Shepherd but live in another parish you will have to make arrangements to have your banns read in your parish church. Use "A Church Near You" and enter your postcode to find the 'phone number of your local parish church to arrange this. Your banns will be read in the Church of the Good Shepherd at the beginning of the 10 am service for three consecutive weeks. Approximately two months before your wedding day the priest conducting your wedding, either Father Mick or Rev Sharon Blain, will write to you to arrange to see you about details of the service - readings, flowers, music etc. You will need to come down to the church to discuss any music with Robert Stewart the organist. If you are having orders of service printed you will need to send a proof copy to the person conducting the service before they are sent to the printer. The week before the wedding you will need to come to a wedding rehearsal in church so that you know what is going to happen on your big day. The fee for Weddings in 2009 is £391.50 In addition to the above, which are necessary for a wedding to take place, the following additional options are also available: organist, choir and pedestals of flowers. The fees for these services vary depending on the choices you make, and this should be discussed with Father Mick at your initial meeting. As a guide, you should expect to pay £100 for the organist; £350 for the choir; £70 for two pedestal flower arrangements at the altar. There is also a charge of £200 to cover music copyright if a video or audio recording is made.