List of Surrogates for the Diocese for the swearing of affidavits for Common Marriage Licences.

The list has recently been updated and is found via the Common Licences page.

Additional Matters Order – COVID19

From 13^th July 2020, the Chancellor has agreed an Additional Matters Order, which gives Archdeacons the authority temporarily to approve certain matters (in relation to the safe reopening of churches) that would otherwise require a Faculty, such as hand sanitisers, washing facilities, additional furniture, video/broadcasting equipment and pricket stands for votive candles. Any such approval is (currently) for a period not to exceed 1^st June 2021. See the Additional Matters Order for further details and procedures to follow to obtain your Archdeacon’s approval. The Additional Matters Order was updated on 9^th November 2020 with additional directions relating to the installation of new telephone lines through churchyards.

The Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury has provided some advice on marriages following the Government’s decision not to allow any further marriages to take place until further notice due to the spread of Covid-19. 

With the current government direction to stay at home and with the closure of places of worship, it is impracticable to comply with the conditions for public notice under the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 and the Chancellor has therefore made a direction which applies until further notice