Love and Cherish is for couples to explore together what marriage will mean for them. Two facilitating couples, with up to 6 engaged couples, will discuss a range of topics about marriage, including
It runs over just one weekend Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Preparing for our wedding day may take a year or more; church, reception, clothes, honeymoon all take time, effort and money to arrange how we want them.
Preparing ourselves; knowing what we want, understanding commitment, overcoming frustrations, giving love and accepting love take many years to understand and we probably continue learning for ever. We are not born with an understanding of being in a permanent married relationship; we learn about it from our parents, family and those around us. It’s fulfilling when we do it well, and there are some things we can learn to make it great!
Some churches recommend or require couples to undertake marriage preparation. The Love and Cherish programme has been developed on behalf of Christians together in Fareham. With the inclusion of some specific items this meets the preparation recommendations of the Catholic Bishops Conference. A certificate can be given. This preparation does not substitute for meeting with your minister, priest or pastor.
Couples who have been together a long time find the weekend enjoyable and valuable too. The topics and private talking points provide the opportunity to review or uncover differing assumptions!
Delighted participants have included couples who
You can marry in a Church of England church if you can show that one of you has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months, or was baptised (christened) in the parish concerned or for other reasons. See the link https://www.yourchurchwedding.org/article/finding-a-church/
For weddings held in Church of England churches the civil arrangements are usually included by the church. For weddings in all other churches the couple must “give notice to marry” at the register office. You must give enough time and there is an interview and a fee.
Some churches, including the Catholic Church, require six months’ notice of a wedding.
The Catholic church requires a catholic who wishes to get married in another church to obtain formal “dispensation”. The parish priest will give information about this.
Other churches may have particular arrangements, just make contact and someone will be able to help you
We cover 10 topics, each has presenter input. After each topic, couples use a few questions to prompt their private discussion. This is at their own table separated enough from other couples, and with music playing so that they can discuss their thoughts and feelings about the topics openly with each other. You may want to make a note to continue some topics at a convenient time on your own. Couples are given their own folder and take-away sheets. You will not be asked to share your private discussions.
This is a rare opportunity for you to focus on what your marriage is all about; you and your relationship.
Sessions are normally arranged once a month from September to July, depending on need. Couples are advised to book a place as soon as they have decided to marry and as early as they can. The Love and Cherish experience helps with the engagement period too.
If couples have circumstances which make participating in the session difficult then it may be possible to assist; mention this at the administration session at your church.
To book a place, see the dates section and book using the webform.
Alternatively print this pdf form to fill-in and post to us.
Paul & Annette.
Presenters & Administrators
Paul & Lucy.
Presenters
“The tone and delivery was just right – the presenters’ personal anecdotes of their own experiences helped perfectly. We felt very relaxed and able to talk openly and honestly with each other and to others.”
- Tom and Justine
“Overall very good – a good balance of practical and theory, very well presented in a jolly, easy-going approach.”
- Gemma and Charlie
“Course was well structured and not too heavy-going. It has confirmed our suitability for each other.”
- Jay and Amy
For most churches in Fareham the cost of the Love and Cherish session is included in the church’s fees. If your wedding is outside Fareham then we recommend a contribution of £25 for the couple. This is to cover the costs, the presenters are volunteers!
Fareham Community Church.