One of the most exciting parts of planning for a wedding at St Mary’s is the range of musical possibilities.

Music for weddings is organised in conjunction with the Director of Music who is always happy to give advice to anyone about what might be possible and what might be appropriate.

Most weddings have an organist and hymn singing from the congregation. St Mary’s can often also offer an excellent choir to help lead the singing too. The choir of this cathedral church can be regularly heard on BBC Radio and sing twice every week on Sundays during term time.

It is also possible to arrange for soloists to sing or for collaboration to take place with other groups of musicians.

Part of the process of planning a wedding at St Mary’s is talking to the person conducting the ceremony. This person will then ensure that contact is made with the Director of Music who will be delighted to help.

Fees are reviewed annually in January based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding December. Couples pay the current fee at the date of their wedding. The cathedral uses PayPal for those wishing to pay using a credit or debit card. Payments can also be made by bank transfer.

Some couples want to decorate the church with flowers, others simply enjoy the stunning building without flowers. It is often preferable for the couple to make their own arrangements for flowers if they want them. It is possible for those who organise the flowers in St Mary’s to arrange for flowers for weddings. The cost will depend on how many flowers are requested.

Video recording is only allowed by prior arrangement and fees are doubled for the celebrant, the organist and the choir.

No charge is made for the building for simple weddings taking place in St Anne’s Chapel.

In cases where either of the parties to the marriage or civil partnership are on benefits and choose not to have the choir and bell-ringers, the charges for the cathedral and the celebrant are waived.

The following fees are charged for marriages and services of blessing for civil partnership.

Use of the Cathedral – £550
Celebrant – £340

Organist – £195

Choir – £550 (Not usually available on weekdays)

Bells – £305

(Fees last updated January 2024)