At Bellshill and Bothwell Parish Church, we want your wedding day to be a joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable celebration. We recognise that every couple has their own story, and every wedding is unique. Our minister, Iain, will work closely with you to shape a service that reflects your hopes, your faith, and the commitment you are making together.
Whether you are planning something simple and intimate or something fuller and more traditional, we are here to guide you, support you, and help make this precious occasion truly yours. The information on this page is focused on our Church building in Bothwell, however, if you wish to get married in our West Halls, this can be arranged by contacting Revd. Iain at minister@bbcofs.org.uk. The Minister is also able to marry you in another location, such as a hotel or special location.
As soon as you begin thinking about getting married, we encourage you to get in touch with the minister. This helps ensure that both the church and the Minister are available on the date you have in mind. Booking your reception before speaking with us may mean that your preferred date cannot be accommodated, so please reach out early, and we’ll be glad to help you plan.
The minister will arrange a meeting with you both to talk through the details of your wedding and help shape the service in a way that reflects your hopes for the day. It’s important that both partners attend, and many couples find it helpful to hold this meeting several months before the wedding to give plenty of time for planning and preparation.
The Marriage Schedule is the essential legal document required for your wedding, without it, the ceremony cannot take place.
Around 8–10 weeks before your wedding, both of you must contact the local Registrar’s Office (0303 123 1015) and provide them with the necessary paperwork, such as birth certificates, passports, proof of address, and, where relevant, marriage, divorce, or death certificates.
You will need to collect the schedule 7–10 days before the wedding. On the day, it will be signed by the minister, the couple, and two witnesses (usually the Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid but it can be anyone as long as they are over 18). You must then return the completed form to the Registrar within three working days.
A wedding rehearsal is normally held the evening before the ceremony, or at another time that suits everyone involved. Lasting around 30 minutes, it brings together the main participants, Bride and Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Ushers, and parents, to walk through the practical details of the day.
The couple should bring:
The rehearsal helps ensure that everyone feels relaxed, prepared, and ready to enjoy the day itself.
Music is an important part of your wedding, and you are encouraged to discuss your choices with our organist, Mr Matt Edwards (organist@musicatbothwell.co.uk). He can help guide you in selecting hymns, entry and exit music, and any pieces to be played while the marriage schedule is being signed. It is also possible to play digital music through the speakers and we encourage you to choose music that is meaningful for you.
If Matt is unavailable on the day, he will arrange a suitable replacement or work with you to find one. Couples normally contact him to arrange a conversation at a mutually convenient time.
Couples are responsible for arranging their own wedding flowers. If you are using an external florist, please contact Sandra in the church office (01698 854903, office@bbcofs.org.uk) in advance to arrange a suitable time for access to the church.
If your wedding is close to a weekend and you are happy for the flowers to remain for the Sunday service, after which they are shared within the community, please let the minister know so we can avoid any duplication. The flowers are, of course, entirely yours; you are welcome to take them to your reception or distribute them among family and friends if you prefer.
Before your order of service is printed, please share a draft with both the minister and the organist. This allows time for any necessary adjustments and ensures everything runs smoothly on the day. Mistakes can always happen when putting these things together, so an extra couple of pairs of eyes are useful to look over it. Guidance can also be offered on what to include and how best to structure the service.
We hope that we can provide you with the service you wish and that your wedding day will be the first day of a long and happy marriage for you both. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to consult on any matter at all about the wedding, by contacting the church minister using the contact details below, or by filling in the contact form.
Office Contact
Telephone: (01698) 854903
Email: office@bbcofs.org.uk
Opening Hours: Monday -Friday: 9am-12noon
Minister
Revd. Iain Majcher (pronounced Myer)
Telephone: 07749 899 427
Email: minister@bbcofs.org.uk
