CHRISTENINGS AND BAPTISMS
A christening is the act of being given your Christian name in front of family and friends as a sign of admission into the Christian church. (Usually, christenings take place during early childhood, but people can elect to be christened at any age.)
During the ceremony, the baptism will take place, which is when the vicar pours a small amount of holy water from the font, on to the forehead of the baby. This act is an historic symbol of cleansing and rebirth into the faith.
To be christened can also be representative of a child's introduction into the parish and the community of people within which they will grow up. It will forever provide a link with them to a place in which they feel they belong.
There are several special moments in the service:
This link takes you to the Church of England Guide to Christenings, which is packed full of useful information you might need to know.
During the ceremony, the baptism will take place, which is when the vicar pours a small amount of holy water from the font, on to the forehead of the baby. This act is an historic symbol of cleansing and rebirth into the faith.
To be christened can also be representative of a child's introduction into the parish and the community of people within which they will grow up. It will forever provide a link with them to a place in which they feel they belong.
There are several special moments in the service:
- You and the godparents will make some important promises for your child in the service.
- A special oil may be used to make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead.
- Water, which is blessed in the church's font, will be poured over your child's head by the vicar. This is your child's baptism
- Everyone promises to continue supporting your child from this moment
- A candle will be given to you in the service when the vicar says: "Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God"
This link takes you to the Church of England Guide to Christenings, which is packed full of useful information you might need to know.
weddings
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Congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials!
VENUES
Here is a list of places nearby for you to hold your wedding reception, across a range of budgets with approximate distances depending on the church:
PLACES TO STAY
Here is a list of recommended local places to stay for you and your guests:
PHOTOGRAPHERS, FLORISTS & CATERERS
Here is a list of local florists, photographers and caterers which might be useful when planning your day:
FEES
There is a required legal fee for marrying in a church. In 2024, the legal fee is a maximum of £675* if you choose to marry away from where you live, and a maximum of £567** if you marry in your home parish.
This is set by the Church of England nationally and is the same for every church.
VENUES
Here is a list of places nearby for you to hold your wedding reception, across a range of budgets with approximate distances depending on the church:
- Rathfinny Wine Estate (20/25 mins drive)
- Firle Place
- Ripe Village Hall (1 minute walk from Ripe Church)
- Blue Door Weddings (10/15 minute drive)
- The Coach House, Mays (5/10 minute drive)
PLACES TO STAY
Here is a list of recommended local places to stay for you and your guests:
- Eckington Manor B&B (2 minutes walk from Ripe church)
- The Star, Afriston
- Hall Court Farm B&B (5/10 minute drive)
- Blue Door Barns (10/15 minute drive)
- Wingrove House (15/20 minute drive)
PHOTOGRAPHERS, FLORISTS & CATERERS
Here is a list of local florists, photographers and caterers which might be useful when planning your day:
- The Soul of My Lens (photographer, Eastbourne)
- Sarah Carmody (photogrpaher, Eastbourne)
- Riverside Flowers (Lewes)
- Bulb Floristry (Lewes)
- Charlotte Burrough Events (Selmeston)
FEES
There is a required legal fee for marrying in a church. In 2024, the legal fee is a maximum of £675* if you choose to marry away from where you live, and a maximum of £567** if you marry in your home parish.
This is set by the Church of England nationally and is the same for every church.
Funerals and memorial services
When somebody dies, a Church of England funeral and burial is available for them in their own parish, whether they were churchgoers or not.
There are many options which can be combined for the funeral of a loved one involving the church, green burial sites and crematoriums.
If you would like help in fulfilling the last wishes after the death of a family member or friend, you might find it useful to visit The Church of England's webpage about arranging a funeral.
If you have any specific questions about holding any kind of service in one of our churches then click on our contact page to find out how to get in touch.
There are many options which can be combined for the funeral of a loved one involving the church, green burial sites and crematoriums.
If you would like help in fulfilling the last wishes after the death of a family member or friend, you might find it useful to visit The Church of England's webpage about arranging a funeral.
If you have any specific questions about holding any kind of service in one of our churches then click on our contact page to find out how to get in touch.
WHICH CHURCH WILL BEST SUIT YOUR SERVICE?
ALL SAINTS', LAUGHTON
All Saints' is the largest of these three churches in our parish, seating up to 150 people. Refurbished in 2021 and fitted with a toilet with disabled access and a modern kitchen, Laughton is the only church in the parish to have these facilities on site.
Laughton church has a set of bells and a team of bellringers can be hired for your service.
The glebe field beside the church can be used for parking for around 40 cars in good weather.
The church has several claims to fame, not least that the remains of two prime ministers from the 18th century, Henry Pelham and Thomas Pelham-Holles, are housed in the crypt beneath the church alongside those of the Earls of Chichester.
All Saints' is the largest of these three churches in our parish, seating up to 150 people. Refurbished in 2021 and fitted with a toilet with disabled access and a modern kitchen, Laughton is the only church in the parish to have these facilities on site.
Laughton church has a set of bells and a team of bellringers can be hired for your service.
The glebe field beside the church can be used for parking for around 40 cars in good weather.
The church has several claims to fame, not least that the remains of two prime ministers from the 18th century, Henry Pelham and Thomas Pelham-Holles, are housed in the crypt beneath the church alongside those of the Earls of Chichester.
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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, RIPE
This 13th century church has plain glass in the nave windows making the building exceptionally light. It seats up to 120 comfortably and has the added benefit of being beside the village hall with all its facilities. (The village hall can be hired for receptions and other social gatherings).
One of the fields beside the church can be used for parking.
Ripe church has a set of bells and a team of bellringers can be hired for your service.
The English poet and novelist, Malcolm Lowry, whose works included, Under the Volcano, is buried in the churchyard.
This 13th century church has plain glass in the nave windows making the building exceptionally light. It seats up to 120 comfortably and has the added benefit of being beside the village hall with all its facilities. (The village hall can be hired for receptions and other social gatherings).
One of the fields beside the church can be used for parking.
Ripe church has a set of bells and a team of bellringers can be hired for your service.
The English poet and novelist, Malcolm Lowry, whose works included, Under the Volcano, is buried in the churchyard.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW, CHALVINGTON
Chalvington church is a great favourite. Built in the late 13th century, it is a delightful, small church with a shingle steeple roof. It is set in fields with a view to the South Downs, a place for quiet contemplation and ideal for intimate services. It seats about 50 people.
There is space for several cars to park on the grass verge in front of the church.
The church has on one side of the altar the memorial to the daughter of Lord Heathfield , General Sir George Augustus Elliot, the Governor of Gibraltar, who successfully defended 'the rock' against the combined French and Spanish forces between 1779 and 1783.
Chalvington church is a great favourite. Built in the late 13th century, it is a delightful, small church with a shingle steeple roof. It is set in fields with a view to the South Downs, a place for quiet contemplation and ideal for intimate services. It seats about 50 people.
There is space for several cars to park on the grass verge in front of the church.
The church has on one side of the altar the memorial to the daughter of Lord Heathfield , General Sir George Augustus Elliot, the Governor of Gibraltar, who successfully defended 'the rock' against the combined French and Spanish forces between 1779 and 1783.