St Peter's Chapel, Bradwell, Essex, England

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Can we be married at the Chapel?

The Chapel is technically 'owned' by the Dean and Chapter of Chelmsford Cathedral. The Bradwell and St Lawrence Parish Clergy act as Chaplains to the Chapel and the Bradwell Parochial Church Council bear some responsibility towards what happens there because the Chapel happens to be located in the Parish of Bradwell-on-Sea.

The important thing about the Chapel, with regard to weddings, is that it is not a Parish Church and the decision on who may or may not get married there rests not with the local Parish Clergy, but with the Archbishop of Canterbury, as marriage at the Chapel may only take place by Archbishop's Special Licence. There are a many of criteria to be met in order for you to apply for an Archbishop's Licence for Marriage at the Chapel, for example:
You have to be a resident in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Bradwell-on-Sea.
Or you must have been a regular member of the worshipping community of the Benefice of Bradwell & St Lawrence for a number of years.
Or you are a long-standing member of the Othona Community Bradwell-on-Sea.
Also both parties to the marriage need to have been baptised and in addition, at the present time, an Archbishop's Licence will not be granted for someone who has been previously married and whose previous partner is still alive.

If you think you fulfil these criteria please do get in touch with us to take the process further - otherwise your local Church of England Clergy will be happy to help and advise about your marriage plans.

Do bear in mind of course that the Chapel has no facilities - electricity, toilets, heating etc and cannot cope with really large numbers of people.

Is the Chapel ever locked?

The door to the Chapel is never locked. It is, however, a very old door with a stiff latch and to open it you need to grasp the ring handle firmly, pull it towards you and at the same time turn the ring handle sharply clockwise.

Are there any facilities at the Chapel?

There are no toilet facilities at or near the Chapel so maybe you should stop at one of the pubs in the village first, take some refreshment and make sure you and your party are comfortable and ready for your visit. Toilets, meeting and refreshment facilities are available at the Othona Community by prior arrangement, Tel 01621 776564.

Is there access for the disabled?

If you or a member of your party is disabled or you need special help, contact the Chaplains of St Peter's in good time (seven-days advance notice if possible), and appropriate arrangements for your visit can be made. Click here to send an email. Acces to the path from the car park is by a fairly large kissing gate that will allow the passage of large electric buggy/electric wheelchairs. The path to the Chapel is a natural track across open farmland, uneven and stony (and muddy in winter). It will take around 15-20 minutes at walking pace from the car park to the Chapel.