The minister Rev Donald McCorkindale will be delighted to speak to you about your marriage plans. Give him a call – 01967 402234, drop him an email, message or text…
Some info and maybe some myth busting…
- You do not require to be a Church Member or to attend prior to your marriage service. You are very welcome to come along but it’s never a requirement.
- Your marriage ceremony can be in one of the Churches here on the West Highland Peninsulas, or at other local venues. Donald has conducted weddings in hotels, castles, up hills…
- The ceremony will be about 20-30 minutes depending on number of songs, pieces of music and so on.
- Within reason, your wishes will be accommodated… and the service personalised for you.
- There is no fee for the minister’s time. You may wish to make a contribution towards Church funds.
- Donald is able and willing to conduct same sex marriages.
The Churches
Within the two parishes here on the Peninsula there are six church buildings:
- Kingairloch Church – where the majority of weddings take place. Beautiful setting on the shore of Loch Linnhe.
- Kiel Church, Lochaline – looking over to Mull
- Ardgour Church – close to the Corran Ferry, and with live streaming facilities
- Strontian Church – 14 miles from the Ferry – Telford design, Parliamentary Church
- Acharacle Church – another 10 miles of single track road beyond Strontian, also Telford Parliamentary Church
- Ardnamurchan Church, Kilchoan – modern church built 2023, almost at the furthest West point of mainland Britain. If you are quick you’ll be the first couple to be married there!
The Legal Bit…
The couple being married must lodge a Marriage Notice (Form M10) to the Registrar no earlier that 12 weeks prior to the marriage, and not later than 29 days prior (please don’t leave it that late!). The form can be downloaded at: https://www.mygov.scot/getting-married . You will need to submit your birth certificates (and if applicable certification of divorce or death of former spouse). The registrar will arrange to see one or both of you in person during the week prior to the marriage, and will issue the Marriage Schedule – this is the document which is signed at the close of the marriage service. Legally that document is required to be present. No schedule… No wedding! The schedule is then returned to the the Registrar who will issue the Marriage Certificate.
Fort William Registrar’s Office
For marriages in this area you should deal with the Fort William Registrar’s Office. The telephone number is 01397 704583 and other details are on the Highland Council Website
Arranging your marriage ceremony
Make contact with the minister as soon as possible to get the date in his diary. He will arrange to meet with you locally, and if that’s not practical by video conference or phone. Normally there will be follow up contact at around 3 months prior to the wedding (the earliest the Marriage Notices can be submitted), at around 4 weeks to ensure that the registrar has all they need, and then a few days prior to the marriage there will be a rehearsal to run through what will happen. Bridesmaids, best men, attendants, parents, those doing a reading, playing an instrument or singing may attend if you and they wish…
The Ceremony
The usual order of service would be:
- Music on entry of bride, or the couple
- Welcome
- Hymn or Song
- Prayer asking God’s blessing on the marriage
- The Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Blessing
- (if having 3 hymns or songs you might have one here)
- Bible Readings, poems, prose…
- A few words from the minister…
- Prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Final Hymn
- Blessing
- Signing of the Marriage Schedule
- (during which there may be music, a soloist or recorded music…)
- Music on Exit.
The Vows
You may write your own vows… which must include that the vows are made in the presence of God and witnesses, that you are committing to life long Christian marriage. The usual form of wording used is:
Before God
and in the presence of family and friends
I (Name) declare my love for you (Name)
and I give myself to you as your (wife/ husband)
I promise you my love,
my loyalty and my trust
for as long as we both shall live.
Music
We can arrange an organist to play if you wish. There will be a fee of around £100 for this. We can also arrange to play recorded music, or you may have some musicians among family and friends that you wish to involve in the ceremony.
Live Streaming
At Ardgour Church it is possible to live stream the service if that is something you would like. There may be some restrictions, due to copyright, on music that can be used if being live streamed.
Photographs/ Video
Yes you can have a photographer/Videographer in the Church. You won’t want too much moving around, but one designated photographer can be where they need to be to get the best shots of your special day.
Witnesses
Two witnesses (over the age of 16) must be present with you at the marriage ceremony and will sign the Marriage Schedule, to witness the signatures of the couple.
Any Questions…?
If you have other questions… do contact the minister, Rev Donald McCorkindale, 01967 402234