Weddings
We are delighted to hear that you have decided to get married and that you are interested in exploring the possibility of being married at St John’s. Our Wedding Booklet and the information on this page should give you an idea of what getting married at St John’s will involve. Don’t hesitate to contact the church office via email (office@stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk) or by using the form below if you have any questions.
If you want start an enquiry about getting married at St John’s, please fill in the Wedding Enquiry Form and return it to the church office (see the form for detailed instructions).
Please note that under Scottish law no wedding can proceed without a Schedule from the Registrar of Marriages. You must visit the Registrar to arrange this at least a month before the ceremony – although the sooner you do this the better.
The Service
The service itself is the focal point of the day and there is a lot of fun to be had in making it your own. For example, you can be inventive in your choice of music and hymns, readings, poetry and prayers. You may also want to involve friends or family in reading or even performing. One of the things you will be asked to decide is whether you would like the service to be in traditional or contemporary language.
We are here to help you with all these matters and there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss your options with the member of the clergy who will take the service and with our Director of Music. Indeed, one of our clergy will expect to meet with you several times before the big day to discuss both the service and the meaning of marriage for you both.
Summary of Fees
The basic fee for getting married in the Main Church at St John’s is £2000.
For a small and simple service in the chapel only, the fee is £600.
For both of the above, there is an additional organist fee of £150.
If you are an active member of the congregation, please get in touch with the office regarding wedding fees.
Added Extras:
The church choir may be able to sing at your wedding at £50 per singer, plus an additional administration fee of £50. The fee for the Musical Director and choir may increase if there is substantial musical input required for the wedding. With the permission of the Director of Music you may invite someone else to play the organ for the ceremony.
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Please consult our Wedding Booklet and then fill in the Wedding Enquiry Form.
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St John’s offers the sacramental rite of marriage to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. St John’s, in fact, hosted the first same-sex church wedding in the UK.
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Yes. Usually, one of the participants needs to have been baptised into the Christian faith.
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No, this is not required.
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Yes, our Cornerstone Centre can stage (smaller) wedding receptions.
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Yes. If you wish Holy Communion to be part of the service, please mention this to the clergy.
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Photographs may be taken in the church after consultation with the clergy. They may also be taken on church premises outside the church. Videos may be recorded by arrangement with the Director of Music at an additional charge, which covers only the public performance of the music in the service. This fee does not cover any copyright music recorded during the service or at the reception. Please visit the PRS website for details of copyright licensing if recording your wedding.
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If you are to be married at St John's, the music for your wedding will be discussed with the Director of Music at least six weeks before the ceremony. This is particularly important if you would like members of our choir to be present, to ensure the appropriate number of singers for the music you have chosen. The Director of Music will also advise on copyright matters, particularly if the ceremony is to be recorded, and you may be required to obtain a PRS licence.
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The time of the service must not overlap with church services. Weddings are also usually not offered during the week leading up to major festivals such as Easter and Christmas.
