Over 20 couples drawn from across the country met together on 8 February at Tavistock Parish Rooms, Tavistock. They all had one thing in common: they are getting married either in the Tavy Mission Community or the West Dartmoor Mission Community some time this year.

Revd Michael Brierley, Priest in Charge of St Eustachius’, Tavistock commented, “This is the second year we have run this event. It is so popular that we run it twice a year as a way of getting couples together to think about their weddings as they prepare for their big day.”

“This has been an excellent time together,” said Revd Preb Nick Shutt, Rector of West Dartmoor Mission Community. “Every couple I have talked to has really valued the opportunity to meet together to think seriously about what it means to get married. Rumours of the end of marriage are much exaggerated.”

The morning provided input on issues and expectations surrounding relationships in marriage from the manager of Plymouth Relate, as well as practical advice from local clergy about putting the wedding service together, and what it means to be married in church with the grace and help of God. All this was rounded off with a buffet lunch together and discussion with a number of clergy who were present to help couples as they prepare.