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Life events

As a Church of England church, St Andrew's is privileged to be involved in supporting families through important life events, whether the start of a new marriage, baptism, or the death of a loved one.

Find out more about weddings, baptisms, or funerals.

Weddings

Rings hanging from branch of a tree

Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in — the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.

St Andrew's is a popular church for weddings! As well as the location and the church itself being attractive, it is close to several popular reception venues.

We are able to offer bellringers and an experienced organist to make your wedding service a memorable occasion.

Although we try to be inclusive, there are rules regarding marriage in a Church of England church. Before you start to book anything, you must speak to the Vicar!

We often get questions about reading banns for weddings from couples who live in our parish. Contact us to arrange this.

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Find out more

The Church of England has a specific wedding-related website that many couples have found useful.

Baptisms

Baby being baptised

Anyone can get in touch with us to find about having their child christened. During a christening your child will be baptised with water. It’s the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child and a special day for all your friends and family.

Baptism is not just for children, many young people and adults also wish to be baptised, and we are happy to arrange these services too.

Some parents might wish to have a thanksgiving service instead of a baptism - we would be pleased to explain the difference and help you to choose which would be most appropriate for your family.

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Find out more

If you would like more information about Church of England baptisms, the following web resources may be helpful.

Funerals

Lots of tea lights

If someone you know and love has died, or dies within the next few days, of whatever cause, a funeral, led by a Church of England minister can be held in church, in a churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium.

It is often difficult to start thinking or talking about funerals. Parish priests probably have more experience of people dying than most of us would care to imagine.

If you are thinking that a church service might be a good way to remember a loved one's life, and to both grieve and celebrate that life together with friends and family, please get in touch with Andrew our vicar.

We are here to support you, so please get in touch if you think we can help in any way.

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Find out more

Some useful information is available on the Church of England website, and the Parish magazine has details of several local Funeral Directors.

The Gargrave and Coniston Cold Parish Magazine

If you would like to contribute to the magazine, please email the editors at [email protected]. The deadline date for submissions is the 10th of each month; e.g. 10th March for the April issue.