Banns
Do I need a Banns Certificate?
If you live in the parish of Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley, but have decided to get married in a church in another parish, you will need to have your Banns read with us.
Visit A Church Near You website to discover just which parish you live in.
Type your post code into the search box – but be sure to select the address that appears before you click the search arrow on the right.
Banns are an announcement in church of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place. They are an ancient legal tradition and have been read out every week in churches across the land for millions of couples, over many centuries.
After your forthcoming marriage is announced, the congregation may be invited to pray for you both. It can be quite special and moving to hear this, so do come along if you can.
Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives as well as the church in which you are to be married, if that is somewhere else.
If you are planning to marry in one of our churches, the local reading of banns will be arranged as part of that process. (See our Wedding page here)
If you are planning to marry in a different church, but live in the our parish, then you will have been told to arrange for us to read your banns. The form below is the one to fill in. After three readings we will issue you with a Banns Certificate to take to the church where you are to marry.
If you are planning to marry in one of our churches, but live in a different parish, you will need to fulfil certain criteria (fill in the form on our Wedding page to find out more). You will need to request that your banns are read in your home parish but the vicar will help you with this.
You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is usually done over three consecutive Sundays but does not have to be. As well as being a legal requirement, your banns readings are special public occasions when people in church hear of your intention to marry. It’s an exciting and happy time, so you’re welcome to invite your family and friends to hear your banns too, if you’d like.