Weddings and naming ceremonies
celebrate your event in our chapel
Who can marry at the Unitarian Chapel?
You can, provided you are legally free to marry and the minister is convinced of your sincerity, your commitment to each other and your reverence for the vows you will be making. Whether you are single or divorced, of mixed faiths or no particular faith, you can be married at the eighteenth century Unitarian chapel in Godalming with the service of your choice.
Information on getting married at our chapel
- The chapel seats about 50 people plus a gallery upstairs where a few people can watch if they stand. There are no religious icons.
- We have an electronic keyboard, which serves as a piano and organ, and there is a sound system for playing recorded music.
- There is a small private room upstairs for use before the ceremony if required.
- You can see the chapel, hall and grounds on any Sunday before or after a service, when a member of the Special Services Group will show you around.
- It is advisable for you to attend at least one Sunday service before your wedding and you are cordially invited to do so. Click for service times
- The person conducting your wedding may be male or female, but must be a representative of the Unitarian Church, either a minister or an authorized lay person.
- We have persons authorized by the registrar to formalise weddings at the chapel. However, each of you must visit the registrar in the district where you live between 12 months and 15 days before your wedding, to give notice of your intention to marry and to obtain the relevant certificate. You cannot marry without these two certificates. (In the Guildford area call 01483 562841 for an appointment.) The two official witnesses to a wedding must be aged 16 or over.
How we can help
Our ministers can help you create your wedding service by suggesting texts, readings, poems and prayers, or they can help you choose from your own sources. We can provide an organist/ pianist, suggest a seating arrangement and arrange access for your florist. The hall may be rented for receptions.
Costs
| Registrar's certificate | £30.00 |
| Minister (plus expenses) | £100.00 |
| Authorised person | £36.00 |
| Chapel rental | £100.00 |
| Organist/pianist | £45.00 |
| Hall rental | £100.00 |
Making the arrangements
Your first step is a telephone call to the Weddings Secretary, Christine Hayhurst on 01483 419577 or you can email her at weddings@unitariangodalming.org.uk.
You can also request a leaflet by contacting the Weddings Secretary.