Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
THE SERVICES THAT MARK A LIFE
Baptisms
Baptism (or ‘christening’ as many know it) means ‘being made into Christ’, becoming part of the Christian family. Baptisms usually take place on Sundays at 1.00pm, except during Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas), and Lent (the five weeks before Easter). Baptisms are joyful occasions when your family and friends, along with the whole church family, are invited to gather to celebrate and welcome their newest members. While baptisms tend to be associated with babies and young children you can actually be baptised at any age.
The best way to book a baptism is to come along to one of our Sunday services and ask to speak to a member of the clergy. Alternatively, you might wish to email the Rev'd Canon Steven Griffith precentor@breconcathedral.org.uk
Weddings
Brecon Cathedral offers a unique and beautiful venue for weddings in the heart of Brecon town where you will be surrounded by the historic fabric of our wonderful building.
Who can marry in the Cathedral?
Marriages are governed by law and as a result certain laws have to be followed. Although changes were made to the law making it easier for couples to marry in a church, unfortunately they do not apply to Welsh Cathedrals. If you wish to be married in the Cathedral you must be able to show a genuine and longstanding link with the Cathedral and seek the Dean’s support in applying for a licence. You will need to apply for an Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Licence.
You can find more information on the Faculty Office website. The Faculty Office email is faculty.office@1thesanctuary.com or phone 0207 222 5381.
Seek advice before applying, as you will be charged an application fee, but the licence may still not be granted. A member of the clergy team would be happy to talk to you about what is involved.
Blessing of Civil Partnership
If you are not able to be married in Brecon Cathedral on legal grounds, we welcome you to have a blessing after your civil registration has taken place. This applies equally to couples of same gender civil partnerships or marriages. Currently, the Church in Wales does not provide marriage of same gender but does welcome services of blessings. You will find the order of service template here: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/faith/what-we-believe/same-sex-marriage/. Contact the Cathedral office admin@breconcathedral.org.uk, or leave a phone message on 01874 623857. A member of the clergy will be in touch.
FUNERALS
A Church in Wales funeral at Brecon Cathedral can provide a fitting tribute to the life of a loved one through prayer as they are entrusted to God’s merciful keeping.
The loss of a loved one is extremely painful, and you will need as much support and advice as possible. We are here to help, advise, support, and pray for you.
We are able to offer funerals for:
Members of the cathedral congregation
Those who have a connection with the cathedral
We can provide the Cathedral for very large services where your local church cannot accommodate. However, the service will be led by Cathedral clergy. We welcome other clergy to participate, lead the eulogy, prayers and reading. Cathedral clergy will advise.
We are also able to provide a suitable venue for those whose civil roles or public life have touched many within the community of Brecon and County of Powys where a larger venue will be needed.
In the first instance, talk with the funeral director and inform them you wish the funeral to take place in Brecon Cathedral, and they will be in touch with us. Or you can contact us first for advice and support. Please contact the Cathedral office admin@breconcathedral.org.uk, or leave a phone message on 01874 623857. A member of the clergy will be in touch.