Anyone who lives within the parish boundary after the reading in church of Banns of Marriage. The boundary is anywhere north of Leyes Lane, Whitemoor Road, Station Road and Mercia Avenue, including houses on the north side of these roads. South of this line is the parish of St John’s,  Kenilworth.

Anyone whose parents live in the parish and who resides at their address for at least 15 consecutive days during the three months prior to the wedding. With the consent of the vicar this enables you to apply for a Common Licence which is issued by one of the Church of England’s solicitors.  You have to declare on oath that the residency has been complied with.

Anyone who lives elsewhere but can show that in the past they were very involved in the life and worship of St Nicholas over several years.  If this is the case application can be made for an Archbishop’s Special License issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This enables a couple to marry in a church for which they do not satisfy the usual residence test.

Anyone who lives outside the parish but, who prior to enquiry about a wedding, is actively involved in the life of the church, whose name is on the church electoral roll (church membership list) and who is committed in the giving of their time, talents and money to the life of the church now and in the future.

Banns of Marriage - if one or both of you lives within the parish you will be married by banns. This means your intention to get married is announced on three consecutive Sundays in the months prior to your wedding, at the 10.00am service. If one of you lives elsewhere you will also need to get your banns read in that parish in the three months before the wedding.  When this has happened you collect a certificate which you pass on to St Nicholas’ confirming that the banns have been read and that there has been no legal objection to your marriage.

Common Licence - if with the vicar’s consent you are getting married by Common Licence you need to make application to the Registrar for the Church of England Diocese of Coventry, Mr David Dumbleton at 8, The Quadrant, Coventry CV1 2EG (024 7622 7331). You can telephone and further details will be sent to you.  The Licence is issued about a week before the wedding.

Archbishop's Special Licence - Special marriage licences are issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Application should be to the Registrar of the Faculty Office, 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3JT (Tel: 020 7222 5381) between 10.00am and 4.00pm on normal working days. They are a privilege and not a right.

Church Electoral Roll - if you are on the electoral roll you will be married by banns which are called in the church where you worship and in the church of the parish where you live.

After your initial meeting with one of the clergy you and all the other couples for your year will be invited to a marriage preparation day in February (usually near Valentines Day and National Marriage Week!). This is organised by members of the church family and includes lunch. The focus of the day is on your marriage which is a lifetime rather than on your wedding which is forty minutes.

About three months before your wedding we will contact you to arrange a meeting with whoever is conducting the service. This time the focus is on your wedding, as we think about the meaning of the words you are going to say and go through the Order of Service. At your first appointment with one the of clergy you will have received a draft order of service to base yours on.  If you need another copy please contact the Parish Office.

On the Thursday evening before your wedding there is a rehearsal for the couple, the best man, the bridesmaids and whoever is giving the bride away.

Music - at St Nicholas we have some excellent organists. When you book your wedding we book an organist and let you know who this is. Nearer the time of the wedding you should make your choice of hymns and the music you wish to enter and go out to. If you are not sure what hymns or music to choose we have a list to help you; there is also some guidance on the Church of England website here. The choir are not able to sing at weddings, but if you wish to use other quartets or small choirs this is allowed with the organist's agreement. If you decide to have a friend or relative play the organ this must be with our agreement and the organist fee must still be paid.

Bells - at St Nicholas we have a six bell tower and a dedicated band of ringers who are happy to ring 25 minutes before your wedding and 15 minutes afterwards. When you book the wedding you can also book the bell ringers if you wish.

Flowers - It is always a good idea to brighten up the church with some flowers for your wedding. At St Nicholas we are fortunate to have a wonderful group of flower arrangers who are happy to discuss your requirements.

Photographs & Video - We are happy for you to have photgraphs and video taken in church by professionals, providing they are done in an unobtrusive way, and without the photographer or videographer moving around. Those filming weddings must meet with the vicar at the rehearsal or 45 minutes before the wedding to agree where they will be positioned.

Readings - A church wedding always includes one or more Bible readings and a large selection can be found in the Marriage Service booklet which you will receive at your wedding preparation meeting. A non Bible Reading may also be chosen with the agreement of the minister conducting your wedding. If you wish a friend or relation to read remember that it’s best to choose someone who believes what they are saying.There are some suggested readings on the Church of England website here.

Special Needs - For wheel chair users there are no steps at St. Nicholas and a toilet for the disabled is provided at the back of church together with  baby changing facilities.  Those with hearing aids can turn to T to hear the service directly.