John Pounds Memorial Church is often called The Weddings Church by local people. This because we conduct in excess of 90 weddings a year.

Wherever possible, we try to ”build” the marriage ceremonies in accordance with the wishes of the couple – the legal necessities and requirements being strictly followed. However the majority of couples like to stick to a fairly traditional format. Some like to add music of their choice on CDs. If there are relatives or friends who would like to do a reading or sing or play an instrument, then this is to be welcomed. Also where couples do not have a particularly strong religious affiliation, there again we try to accommodate this. Some couples are of mixed religion or faith and here again we would try to reflect that in the service.

Please note that bookings cannot be made by phone or by email as we feel it is important to meet and discuss things with you before a commitment is made. The office is open for this purpose on most Friday evenings. See below for office opening dates and times

Not being a church of the Church of England, we do not call Banns. Notice of intention to marry at our church requires the giving of notice to the Registrar of the area in which the couples live. A booking with the relevant Registrar must first be made by telephone to the relevant office. Both bride and groom are required to attend the Register Office and are interviewed separately. We will explain further details when a couple comes to make a booking for a marriage service.

We do marry people whose previous marriages have been dissolved by divorce and after decrees absolute have been issued. The relevant documents must be taken when going to give notice to the Registrar.

The Blessing of civil ceremonies or thanksgivings after, say 10 or 20 years of marriage or longer are also conducted at our church. Enquiries about these should be made as above.

Bookings: We are now taking bookings for both 2008 and 2009. Please note - to make a firm booking we need both parties to be present to complete and sign some forms.

Office Opening Times for Bookings of Weddings and Namings: September 2008

The office wil be open on all Fridays in September between 4.45 and 6.45 pm

(Updated Wednesday 31st August 2008)

It is always best to check these dates and times by ringing 02392 821101 - our answering machine will list any late changes or your call will be forwarded automatically to another number.

He is our patron and one, severely crippled in his mid-teens, who grew out of obscurity in a rough area of Portsmouth during the 18th and 19th. centuries - because he saw a great need to help young children reared in what was, effectively in those days, a slum. Find out more

Unless you have friends or relatives that have been members of a Unitarian community you probably don't know what a Unitarian church actually is and what we stand for. Find out more

Click more (below) to find out what time the services take place, who is preaching etc.. Times might vary so please check back regularly. more