Hertford’s Chapel Weddings
14 February 2020
This Valentine’s Day, we are delighted to share the stories of Hertford alumni who were married in our very own college Chapel.
Over the years, Hertford has brought together thousands of students within its friendly walls. Alumni have life-long friendships when they leave the college, but sometimes they blossom into more. This Valentine’s Day, we are sharing the stories of some of our alumni who were married in the Chapel here at Hertford. Each couple has their own special reasons why they chose to tie the knot here, and what made their day so memorable.
Claire and Ben Hunt
We had been hoping for a pic of the entire quad on the day with all the guests, but March 20th 2004 was freezing cold and despite our photographers having a room key, they couldn’t get into the room…and it became like herding cats as our guests started to wander off back to the Randolph where the reception was…so we left it in the end and opted for small group shots.
Despite warning everyone about Saturday parking in Oxford, my Dad and I stood in the lodge gateway, counting the number of guests shooting past us into the chapel mouthing “The parking was a nightmare!”
Prior to the service, it was the connection to college and the good times had whilst studying, combined with the sense of community and the not-too-big feel of the chapel that made me want to marry there. The thing that I remember most about the service was that when I walked down the aisle, instead of the backs of people’s heads, the side-facing pews meant I could see my family and friend’s faces, connect with them and feel them radiating delight and reflecting our happiness…before finally spotting my very nervous looking husband-to-be!
Abi and Pete Orr
Pete and I both studied at Hertford. We met at the college in our freshers week, and he asked me out after our college ball in first year, so Hertford played a big part in our relationship. When we got engaged, we knew the Chapel would be the perfect place for our wedding.
The chaplain changed over during our engagement, but both Lianne (the outgoing chaplain) and Gareth (the new chaplain) were really helpful, and the college staff made sorting the logistics easy.
We were invited to a wedding preparation day with the other couples getting married that year. It was a lovely opportunity to discuss what marriage meant, and make sure Pete and I were on the same page on a lot of questions that might come up later in life.
The day itself was perfect. Not only did Gareth give a lovely sermon, but he suggested lots of little tweaks to the service that helped us make it our own, such as having us walk into church together, and taking it in turns to go first with the vows.
The florists (Fabulous Flowers) did an amazing job and the Chapel was gorgeous. When we come back to Hertford now we have memories of both our time as students, and our wedding day, which makes it even more special.
Andy and Kim Holding
We could not have found a better venue for our wedding. The college had been such a significant part in both of our lives. It was fantastic to be able to share the experience with all our friends and family.
We followed the wedding with a reception at Cherwell Boathouse. Our friends hired out the college punts to share, and we have fond memories of watching our guests take to the river on a summers afternoon with Pimms and champagne.
Jo and Henry Hardy
It was very special getting married at Hertford. Gareth did a wonderful job of making us feel comfortable and really captured the essence of who we were in his sermon. Being back in the chapel reminded me of the many times I’d enjoyed Sunday night evensong in there, with its wonderful acoustics. Despite its grandeur and size, it feels like a very intimate environment.
Helen and Chris Sowerbutts
We were thrilled to be able to get married in chapel. My husband and I met at Hertford and it was so special to be married there, surrounded by many friends who also studied with us at Hertford. Reverend Hughes was Chaplain then and gave us a lovely personal service, just the right mix of formal ceremony and humour.
It was a snowy April but the 6th was beautifully sunny and we all got to enjoy fizz & Pimms in the Quad after the ceremony in true Hertford style.
Sarah and Andy Higginbotham
We had a wonderful day celebrating in a venue that means so much to us both.
Have a look at some more beautiful alumni weddings that took place in Hertford Chapel;
