Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage!
At Bothwell Parish Church we want your wedding service to be a happy and memorable occasion and hope this simple guide will be of use as you make your arrangements. In addition, to avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to consult with the Minister, Mr Gibson, who will be pleased to answer any queries you may have. The Minister is available most Sundays after morning worship, held in the church at 10.30am.
A Minister for your wedding: Mr Gibson, the Minister for Bothwell Parish Church will, where his committments permit, be pleased to conduct your wedding. As above, please discuss this with him personally, in advance of making any other arrangements. After arrangements have been confirmed, should Mr Gibson subsequently be unable to conduct your service personally, arrangements will be made for a colleague to deputise and this will be confirmed to you in writing.
Date and Time of Wedding. Please discuss with the Minister the date and time you wish your marriage to take place. To see a list of forthcoming weddings, please click here.
Marriage Schedule/Registrar. Please obtain a marriage schedule from your local Registrar six weeks before your wedding date. By law, this must be given to the Minister (at the time of your wedding rehearsal). The Registrar for the Bothwell area is at The Town House, 102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton 0845 7406080
The Rehearsal. Whenever possible, a rehearsal for all members of the Wedding Party is held, after worship, on the Sunday immediately prior to your wedding. If this does not suit, a rehearsal can be arranged for an alternative time. Please contact the Minister conducting your service to make arrangements. Along with the marriage schedule, the balance of the wedding fees and hymn sheets should be brought to the rehearsal.
Music.
- It is essential that the Church Organist is consulted regarding your choice of music. He is usually available following Morning Worship most Sundays.
- A Wedding service at Bothwell will usually have two or three hymns. The first hymn is used for the Bridal Entry. It is known as the Processional Hymn and is always ‘ Praise my soul the King of Heaven ’. (Words may be found within the Church’s Hymn Book at Hymn 160. Verse 4 should be omitted). A sample Order-of-Service is included below for your assistance.
Photographs. Guests should be requested not to take any photographs inside the Church until your service has ended and your Wedding Party proceeds to the main doors. Our Church Officer can advise on the taking of official photographs and video recordings.
Flowers. Please consult with the Church Officer for entry to the church.
Confetti / Scattering of Money. We regret that the use of confetti and scattering of money are not permitted within the Church grounds. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. 
Vehicular Access. Please note that only Official Cars and cars dropping-off disabled persons should use the Church entrance. Parking for guests is provided at the Church Centre (adjacent to the Church along main road) or on side streets. NOTE the Church entrance is not suitable for long-wheel based limousines.
Police. To avoid traffic congestion, it is always advisable to inform the Police of the time/ date of your wedding. The local Police Office is at Uddingston (816050)
Receptions: The Minister regrets that other commitments may prevent him from attending your wedding reception.
Service Costs. Please consult the Minister regarding costs relevant to your Service. A deposit of 50% is non-returnable. Cheques should be made payable to Bothwell Parish Church. An acknowledgement/ confirmation will be sent to you by return.
Alteration / Cancellation. Please do let the Minister know as soon as possible of any change to the date / time of your wedding.
click to enlarge
Wording for Order of Service
1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who like me his praise should sing?
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise the everlasting King.
2. Praise him for his grace and favour
to our fathers in distress;
praise him, still the same for ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless:
Praise him! Praise him!
glorious in his faithfulness.
(optional verse)
3. Father-like he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame ke knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes:
Praise him! Praise him!
widely as his mercy flows.
4. Angels, help us to adore him;
ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him;
dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
