Qualifying connections

Marriage Measure 2008 Qualifying Connections

6.1 The Marriage Measure 2008 came into effect on 1 October 2008. It has made a substantial
difference to the existing arrangements. The concept of ‘residence’ has been supplemented by a
new range of qualifying connections (it does not replace the residence test, merely expands the
range of qualifying connections with the parish church in question).

6.2 So in addition to residence in the parish or inclusion on the electoral roll, any couple may
now be married in any parish church provided that

6.2.1 One of the persons concerned:
• was baptised in the parish; or 
• has been confirmed and the confirmation has been entered in a church register
book belonging to the parish, (this would have been done on the basis that the
person concerned was prepared for confirmation in the parish); or
• has at any time had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least
6 months; or
• has at any time habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6
months;
or

6.2.2 That person’s parent has at any time during the person’s lifetime:
• had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months; or
• habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least 6 months;
or

6.2.3 That person’s parent or grandparent was married in the parish.
(In this list references to being baptised, confirmed or married, or attending public worship,
all refer to Church of England services.)