PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ON THIS PAGE
1 About the church : our location and brief information about the church.
2 Booking a wedding : what to do if you want to book a wedding.
3 Planning information : all the details about weddings at St Nicolas to help you plan.
4 Local info : some further information about the local area, local hotels and pubs and other facilities.
5 E-mail form : e-mail from here if you are ready to enquire about a date!
SITE HOME
As you can see from the photographs here and on the GALLERY page the church faces the green across the old High Street. This makes for a pleasant rural atmosphere and gathering place in the summer. The pub is also just across the road!
CONDITIONS & BOOKING YOUR WEDDING
The rules for your right to get married at St Nicolas can be a bit complicated! If you qualify in any of the following ways you are OK -
- You were baptised (Christened) in the parish by a Church of England form of baptism
- You were confirmed by a Church of England service and the confirmation is entered in a register belonging to the church.
- A parent or grandparent was married in the parish by a Church of England service.
- You have had your usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months. Applies whether or not you are still resident in the parish. (If you need a map have a look elsewhere on this site).
- A parent has had their usual place of residence in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime. Applies whether or not they are still resident in the parish.
- You have habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in the parish for at least six months (this means six months before your wedding so if there is enough time you can do this after booking your wedding). Applies whether or not you are still attending worship in the parish.
- A parent has habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime. Applies whether or not they are still attending.
- IF NONE OF THESE APPLY - don't give up there are other routes - contact the vicar!
COMING TO CHURCH
Don't let the coming to church bit put you off! You will be warmly welcomed and we understand that for a lot of people it's a new experience! You can be as involved or uninvolved as you like, just turn up on Sunday at 10.20am! Tell one of the people giving out books (a 'Sidesman' or 'Churchwarden') and they will look after you, free fresh coffee after too!
In certain circumstances the Church of England accepts that a divorced person may marry again and this has been the case since 2002. You may be able to remarry in a church, it is left to the discretion of the vicar. They will want to talk to you about your past and your commitment for the future.
At St Nicolas we will generally marry divorcees who show they are committed to a future life together so please contact Rev'd Alan about this. Alternatively you can have a Wedding Blessing after a civil marriage.
You need to book! Most weddings are booked a year in advance sometimes two, so if you have an idea of a date get your skates on and BOOK IT NOW! We can only fit so-many weddings in!
Use our E-MAIL form at the bottom of this page OR
Speak to Rev'd Alan after 10.30am service on Sundays
OR
Telephone on 01628-661182 (not Fridays, day off!)
We want you to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. We have quite a lot of experience with weddings and are able to draw on this to give you advice which, we hope, will help everything go as smoothly as possible on the day. Read through the next sections where we give you all the general information about what you need to do and think about.
LYCHGATE & HIGH STREET
SPACE RESERVED FOR WEDDING CARS
MARRIAGE SERVICE
There is more flexibility in the wedding service these days. The Book of Common Worship (the current service book used by the Church of England) has a number of different wording options. The 'uncomfortable' "obey" wording in the Vows can be omitted if desired and there are options for exchanging rings and alternative Blessings and Prayers.
The vicar will have a though run through the service with you to sort out your preferred choices. You can view a copy of the service CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SERVICE TEXT which gives all the options along with guiding notes.
Also suitable READINGS CAN BE FOUND HERE
(Please note the copyright notice. This also applies to printed service sheets SEE SECTION BELOW)
WEDDING BLESSINGS
Service of prayer and dedication
Many people who have a civil wedding, whether in the UK or abroad, feel they would like to dedicate their marriage to God in church soon afterwards.
It is a simple service, open to anyone. The words of the service acknowledge the commitment you have already made and ask for God’s blessing and guidance in your new life together. Because it is not a marriage service, banns are not required, there is no exchange of rings and there is no signing of the Register.
Many couples have opted for this service where one or both of them is remarrying after divorce.
CLICK HERE FOR BLESSING SERVICE TEXT
WEDDING THANKSGIVING
The Church also offers a Service of Thanksgiving for Marriage, which may be used for a number of different occasions including renewing marriage vows or to celebrate a special anniversary.
CLICK HERE FOR THANKSGIVING SERVICE TEXT
OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE
Beginning the service
Traditionally, the bride and groom enter the church separately - the groom first with the best man, and the bride at the time set for the start of the service, on the arm of her father or another relative or friend (it does not need to be a man). However, the bride may enter alone if she wishes, or the couple may enter together.
The minister will welcome the congregation. Your family and friends have an important role to play as witnesses and supporters of your marriage.
The minister will read an introduction explaining what Christians believe about marriage. They will also ask, as the law requires, if anyone knows any reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.
Declarations
You will be asked to promise before God, your friends and your families, that you will love, comfort, honour and protect your partner and be faithful to them as long as you both shall live.
The minister will also ask the congregation to declare that they will support and uphold your marriage.
Vows
Turning to each other, the bride and groom take each other’s right hand and make vows:
'to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part'
Rings
The couple then exchange a ring or rings as a 'sign of their marriage' and a reminder of the vows:
'With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.'
Proclamation
The minister will then declare that you are now husband and wife. The minister does not 'marry you'; you marry each other. The minister just directs you in this and then tells everyone that you have done it properly.
Prayers
In the prayers God’s blessing and help is asked for you. There may be a prayer for the gift of children, but every couple will have their own feelings about this, so it's best to discuss the details with your minister. You may wish to help choose the prayers or to write your own.
Readings and talk or sermon
It is usual to have one or more readings (one of which should be from the Bible) and the minister will generally give a talk or sermon.
Signing of the register
After you have exchanged your vows, the bride, groom and two witnesses must sign the register. This is a legal requirement and the minister will give you a copy of the marriage certificate.
Exit
After signing the register in the vestry you will make your grand exit, arm in arm as Husband and Wife.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SERVICE TEXT
MAP OF VILLIAGE
OPTION 1
You can accept whatever the flowers happen to be in Church on the day of your wedding. There are normally some floral decorations in Church, though in Lent (6 weeks up to Easter) and Advent (4 weeks up to Christmas) we don't have flowers in Church for Sundays.
OPTION 2
You can arrange for your own choice of professional florist to prepare decorations for the Church. Because of the liaison work required by this, we have to charge a facilities fee of £25 if you choose this option.
Please note that (for reasons of health and safety) we are aware there is a problem with the use of candles in flower arrangements - therefore all use of candles needs to be approved in advance. In particular, all use of small candles placed on (or near) the floor is forbidden.
In the first instance, please contact our Director of Music, Gillian Dibden 01628 661182, and she will confirm who is the organist for your wedding.
You can have up to three hymns at your wedding. Choose hymns that you think your guests will know they don't have to be on the theme of marriage but make sure that the words are not inappropriate (for instance, "Fight the good fight" may not be the best choice!).
Above all, make your musical arrangements in plenty of time.
What about a choir? Of course, you can choose not to have one, but if you do want a choir you have three options
OPTION 1
The Church Choir is of a good standard and members of it are usually available to sing at weddings. You need to be aware that whilst we shall use our best endeavours to provide you with the Church Choir when you have booked it, the members of the Choir are volunteers who only receive expenses for singing.
OPTION 2
Some people are happy to book the Church Choir but feel it would be helpful to boost their numbers with some additional experienced singers. This can be arranged through our Director of Music though, obviously, there is an additional cost involved.
OPTION 3
Some people wish to book a professional choir to sing at their wedding. We are happy to arrange this for you. If you need advice on this option, please speak to our Director of Music who will be able to give you advice and guidance.
Any of these choir options will provide a good lead in the singing of hymns, and they will also sing (by arrangement) during the signing of the Registers.
If you are thinking of having a visiting soloist sing at your wedding then you will need to talk to the organist about this so that arrangements can be made for them to rehearse with the soloist.
Our Organists:
Director of Music
Neil Matthews 01628 639796
Assistant Director of Music
Gillian Dibden 01628 661182 CLICK TO E-MAIL
The lectern, from where any readings will be made, has a microphone. It is worthwhile getting your reader(s) to try this for volume before the ceremony, either at the rehearsal or at least as soon as they arrive (before the other quests take their places)! Ask a verger for assistance.
"URRY UP I WANT M' OATS"
Horse 2 - "I THOUGHT WE ALREADY WERE"
It is helpful if, at the end of the service, one usher can wait until all your guests are out of the church and then retrieve spectacles, camera cases, etc., which tend to get left behind as well as remove any florist's cardboard boxes (provided for buttonholes) and the like. Also retrieve the CD or tape if we have used the sound system.
We don't want to spoil the fun but we would be very grateful if you could ask your guests to keep confetti outside and away from the church. It can be liable to blow back into the church if the doors are open. Alternatively you could delegate an usher, for example, to stay for a while and borrow our vacuum cleaner!
Only one professional (or designated) photographer can take still photographs inside the Church (and during the service itself they may not use flash). Professional equipment will not require flash to obtain good pictures.
One professional (or designated) video cameraman may record the service. Some companies offer a team of video cameramen - this is perfectly acceptable provided that we know in advance. In order not to distract people from the wedding itself we prefer cameramen not to move around. Anyone taking video pictures needs to speak to the priest before the service - some choose to come to the rehearsal in church a few days before the wedding. Please note that no extra lighting is allowed in the church.
PHOTOS OUTSIDE THE WEST DOOR
THE CHURCH WEST DOOR
Please remember NO FLASH photography during the service.
READY TO DEPART
SERVICE SHEETS AND COPYRIGHT
Before you print you must talk with The Rev'd Alan Dibden (01628 661182) about these conditions. Sorry, but if you do not follow the rules on this you will not be covered by our licence and you will not be allowed to use your service sheet in the Church.
In the earliest days of the church, communities would make contributions as a moral obligation, since it provided these services to all without a specific charge. By donating to the church, communities sustained a vital part of community life for all.
The legal fee for weddings that you pay today has its roots in this ancient tradition which has evolved to become a required payment. It ensures your church can maintain these essential services for you and your community.
The big five wedding expenses are usually the reception, the engagement ring, the wedding dress, photography and video, and the honeymoon, which together normally take up about 75% of the wedding budget. These days, people are spending in excess of £20,000 on the whole day but it doesn't need to cost that much. On the right are shown the minimum charges for the most important (and the only really necessary) part of your day!
The Church fabric needs to be maintained. Alone it costs in excess of £1,100 per WEEK to maintain St. Nicolas as a building. In winter, to heat to a agreeable temperature, once, costs about £40. Its presence for your marriage depends on the support of the community and in particular the weekly congregation who relentlessly contribute both financially and in deeds of good work.
LIST OF WEDDING CHARGES AT St NICOLAS
MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS
Wedding service fees - £681
Which includes -
Building use including heating
Marriage Registers and one copy
Vergers (2)
Organist
Use of the sound system
Bell (request)
OPTIONAL
Choir - £130
Flowers - POA
Having read this page if you are now interested in getting married at St. Nicolas you can use the E-mail form below or come along to Sunday service at 10.30am and talk to Rev'd Alan.
AFTER THE WEDDING
It would be interesting and helpful for future reference to know what you think about your wedding at St. Nicolas. Let us know if you enjoyed your day or were disappointed in any way.
How would you like your wedding featured on our web site? We would love to have some of your wedding pictures and stories on our site for others to see. We have pictures of the church but not many people E-MAIL us!
LINKS TO OTHER PAGES ON THIS SITE OF INTEREST
How To FIND US
More photographs of the inside and outside of the church and the village. Go to the GALLERY page.
Church plan and guide Go to the CHURCH GUIDE
ALSO
The main Church of England web site has a great, new 'on-line wedding planner' CLICK HERE to open in a new window.
LOOKING OUT OF THE WEST DOOR
(YOUR EXIT)!
CAR HIRE ETC Please note - although Taplow is actually in Buckinghamshire the postal address is Taplow, Maidenhead Berkshire. SL6. We have no connection with these establishments and the descriptions are mostly extracts from their respective web sites.
Berry Hill
Taplow, (Buckinghamshire)
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 0DA
Tel: 01628 670056
Fax: 01628 773 625
E-mail: reception@taplowhouse.com
WEBSITE
"A stunning Georgian retreat situated on the border between Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Taplow House Hotel is a peaceful haven only 15 minutes from London Heathrow Airport and 10 minutes from historic Windsor.
Set in 6 acres of beautiful gardens and boasting Europe's largest tulip trees Taplow House Hotel is the perfect setting for a meeting, private event, wedding or relaxing overnight stay."
Just about within walking distance of the church south, 15mins on foot - 2mins in car
TAPLOW HOUSE HOTEL
Grove Road,
Burnham,
Slough,
Buckinghamshire,
SL1 8DP
Tel : 01628 429955
Fax: 01628 603994
WEBSITE
"Burnham Beeches Hotel, built in 1727, is a four star hotel nestling in 10 acres of beautiful gardens and manicured lawns in a peaceful setting yet only minutes from the M4/M40 and Burnham railway station, which has a direct line to central London. The hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment in 2007 with over £1.5 million pounds spent to date. Refurbishment work has taken place in public areas, leisure facilities bedrooms. We have also added wireless internet access to all areas including bedrooms, meeting rooms and public areas."
About 15mins drive east from the church
BURNHAM BEECHES HOTEL
Taplow, (Buckinghamshire)
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 0JF
Tel : 01628 668561
Fax : 01628 661837
E-mail : info@clivedenhouse.co.uk
WEBSITE
"Cliveden is unique. One of the world’s finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is set in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, surrounded by magnificent formal gardens and parkland. It is arguably the finest of luxury hotels near London and Heathrow Airport. From the moment you are ushered into the beautiful Great Hall with its grand fireplace, oak paneling and priceless artworks, our aim is to ensure you feel like a treasured, personal guest. You’ll be treated to the very highest standards of quality, with excellence in every detail. Where else can you be surrounded by such extraordinary extravagance and remarkable refinement, but at the same time feel so welcomed and at ease? Cliveden is, at heart, a charming country house hotel where you can come away to escape, relax and be indulged at every opportunity."
About 7 mins drive north from the church
CLIVEDEN
GROVEFIELD HOUSE HOTEL
Taplow Common Road,
Burnham,
Slough,
Buckinghamshire,
SL1 8LP
Tel: 01628 603131
WEBSITE
"Tucked away in over 7 acres of private and secluded grounds close to Burnham Beeches yet within easy driving distance of Royal Windsor and Legoland, the M4 and M40 motorways and Central London, The Grovefield House Hotel is perfectly located for a peaceful stay, home counties or Windsor wedding or business event.
Once the country retreat of John Fuller of the famous Fuller brewing family, this turn-of-the-last-century house has recently undergone a massive £2 million refurbishment. It now offers the very best combination of country house grandeur and modern luxurious accommodation with 40 individually-decorated bedrooms."
About 5 mins drive east from the church
Bridge Road, (A4)
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 8DW
Tel: 01628 674057
Fax: 01628 776586
WEBSITE
"Situated on the banks of the River Thames by Maidenhead Bridge, the charming Edwardian building of The Thames Riviera Hotel provides the gateway to Maidenhead, just half a mile away.
The newly refurbished rooms offer a high standard of comfort in a modern stylish environment, all with flat screen satellite TVs, complementary WiFi and modern bathrooms. Additional facilities include room service, laundry service
Relax and unwind in the friendly atmosphere of the contemporary Blue River Restaurant and Bar offering excellent, freshly prepared food throughout the day."
About 3 mins drive west from the church
Ray Mead Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 8NR
Tel: 01628 628721
Fax: 01628 773921
Email: sales@thameshotel.co.uk
WEBSITE
"The Thames Hotel is a privately owned hotel, idyllically situated on the banks of the River Thames on the outskirts of Maidenhead. The Hotel opened in the late 1880's during which time it has enjoyed a colourful history. The Thames Hotel housed one of the earliest telegraph offices for the use of its aristocratic guests, and has the dubious distinction of having had a proprietor who lost the freehold on the turn of a card.
Under the current owners the hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment and now has 35 bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, many offering superb views of the River Thames."
Rectory Rd
Taplow
Maidenhead
SL6 0ET
Tel: 01628 604074
Across the road from the church.
Small village pub
Pub food
Garden
The Feathers Inn
Taplow Common Rd
Burnham
Slough
SL1 8NS
Tel: 01628 664646
Large but cozy pub
Good Pub food
Garden
Large car park
Opposite entrance to Cliveden
Littleworth Rd
Littleworth Common
Burnham
Slough
SL1 8PF
Tel: 01753 644350
Bath Road
Taplow
Maidenhead
Berks
SL6 0AJ
Tel: 01628 630817
Large 'Harvester' chain pub on the A4 Bath Road at Taplow
Children's play area
Garden
WEBSITE
Lake End Rd,
Dorney,
Windsor,
SL4 6QS
Telephone 01628 662353
Smallish village pub
Won award for special 'sandwich based' food
Small Car park
Large garden
Village Road
Dorney
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 6QW
Tel: 01628 666612
(Further on down the road from above)
Good sized village pub
Good Food
Garden
Large car park
Wedding stationary design in Taplow