Marriage

Congratulations to all those couples who have made the solemn and wonderful decision to marry! Please be advised of the following before you book our Church:

1. Welcome & Priority of Bookings

Before booking the Church, please note:

· Priority is given to parishioners of Our Lady of The Assumption and The English Martyrs, Cambridge.

· Second priority is given to those with recent family ties or baptismal connections to the parish.

2. Before You Begin Planning

Before planning your wedding with us, please:

· Contact your local parish or the parish responsible for your catchment area. You will need to book a meeting with them to begin your wedding preparation.

· Read the parish policy for the celebration of Holy Matrimony. Parish policy for the celebration of Holy Matrimony

· Do not book reception venues or make other arrangements until the date and time of your ceremony have been confirmed by:

o the General Manager, and

o the Priest who will celebrate your wedding.

3. Booking the Church & Fees

A £400 donation is requested at the time of booking. This covers normal running costs and administrative preparation. If the wedding does not go ahead, this donation will be refunded.

If you are marrying outside the Diocese of East Anglia then you will need to bring either a cheque for £20 made payable to ‘RC Diocese of East Anglia’ or £20 in cash when you meet with the Priest to go through your paperwork.

To check availability for your preferred date, please contact: olemoffice@rcdea.org.uk

Weddings at OLEM may take place:

· Monday–Friday: 1.30pm–4.00pm

· Saturday: 12.00pm–4.00pm (Subject to availability)

We do not celebrate marriages on Holy Days of Obligation, or during Lent and Advent.

No one under 18 years old can lawfully marry in the UK. See: Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022

4. Zero Tolerance Policy

We operate a Zero Tolerance Policy. Verbal abuse or threats by email or telephone will not be tolerated. Anyone who behaves in this manner will be refunded and their ceremony cancelled immediately.

5. Preparation Requirements

Marriage Preparation Courses

Check the Diocese website https://www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-preparation/ for available courses.

Check on the Diocese website to see when the Marriage Preparation Courses are being offered

Couples from OLEM must attend:

the one‑day Diocesan Saturday course, and an online course via:

· https://www.catholicmarriageprep.com/

· https://smartloving.org/east-anglia/

OLEM is NOT currently offering the Diocese's So Great A Mystery course

For questions about Marriage Preparation Courses, contact: Dr Antonia Braithwaite - mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk.

Further information for 2026 courses: 2025 Marriage Information

If you wish to marry at OLEM, please contact the Rectory Office at least six months before your desired date.

6. The Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Book the Church

Book through the Parish Office and receive confirmation of your booking.

2. Fulfil Legal Requirements

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/give-notice. Ensure you meet all legal criteria for marriage in England and Wales.

3. Submit Your Marriage Schedule

Once you have given notice and received your Marriage Schedule, bring it to the Parish Office for secure storage.

Book your Marriage Schedule appointment independently at: https://www.cambridgeshireceremonies.co.uk/giving-notice

4. Complete Marriage Preparation Courses

· the Saturday Day course, and

· the online course (see links above).

OLEM is NOT currently offering the Diocese's So Great A Mystery course

5. Choose Your Music

Contact Mr Nigel Kerry, Organist: olemmusic@rcdea.org.uk

Please remember this is a Sacrament, and music must be appropriate for Catholic liturgy.

6. Bell Ringers (Optional)

If you would like bell ringers, please complete the Booking Form. Please complete the attached form at least 4 weeks in advance so he is able to invite bell ringers on the day of your wedding.

7. Checklist Before Meeting the Priest

Before your appointment with a priest, you must have:

1. Completed Marriage Preparation

• One‑day Saturday Diocesan course and

• Online course (CatholicMarriagePrep or SmartLoving)

2. Completed the Pre‑Nuptial Information Form

• Must be typed (PDF), not handwritten

• Bring a printed copy and email it to the office

3. Completed the Statutory Declaration of Freedom to Marry

This form is a legal declaration confirming that each person is free to marry. It must be signed in the presence of a Public Notary, Solicitor, or Commissioner for Oaths.

• This requirement applies only to couples marrying outside England and Wales.

• Each person must print and complete their own copy of the form.

• Search online for a convenient Solicitor/Public Notary and book an appointment.

• Bring the form with you and sign it in front of the legal witness, together with your fiancé(e).

• Please ensure this form is checked during the marriage preparation meeting with the couple.

4. Bring Passport/ID

5. Baptism Certificate* along with Confirmation Certificate

*This must be an original. It does not need to be translated into English.

You will need to contact the Church where you were baptised and explain that you are getting married and ask them to issue you with a baptism certificate for marriage.

This certificate should be dated a maximum of 6 months before your wedding date and it needs to indicate the date and place of baptism, whether or not you have been Confirmed as well as any details regarding previous marriages or ordination or religious vows.

6. Annulment paperwork (if relevant)

7. Legal marriage certificate (if you are already civilly married)

After the meeting

You may now choose your readings by visiting: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/readings/
A sample Order of Service is also provided below.

Please make sure to book your wedding rehearsal. A rehearsal is required to help you prepare properly for your wedding ceremony.

Marriage Preparation Course Details

Saturday Day details:

Address: Our Lady Immaculate and St Etheldreda Church, 14 Exeter Rd, Newmarket CB8 8LT. We will be meeting in the parish hall.

Time: 10am - 4.15pm

Upcoming Dates:

Each day is identical in content so couples can choose whichever date is most convenient.

April 11th 2026
May 9th 2026
September 19th 2026
November 7th 2026

Please book: www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-preparation/