We are delighted to announce that John Wesley’s New Room is now available for same-sex weddings! Following a decision by the Methodist Conference last year to give local churches the option to conduct same sex marriage ceremonies in Methodist buildings our Trustees have uninanimously voted in favour of taking this step. With same-sex couples now able to hold their marriage ceremonies in our historic chapel, John Wesley’s New Room would like to reinforce our commitment to marriage equality and support of the LGBTQ+ community.

“This decision to register John Wesley’s New Room as a venue for same-sex marriages is the latest step in our journey of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Rev. Mandy Briggs, John Wesley’s New Room’s Education Officer & Responsible Authorised Person. “The chapel has been a venue for services organised by Christians at Bristol Pride since 2018 and so this registration feels like the natural next step.”

Rev. Mandy Briggs (left) and Rev. Josette Crane (right) with our application to the General Register Office

John Wesley’s New Room becomes the oldest Methodist site both in the UK and the rest of the world to be available to conduct same-sex weddings. We are also one of the only few religious places in central Bristol available to officiate same-sex marriages.

Our application to the General Register Office for permission to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies has now been approved and we would like to encourage prospective couples to get in touch by emailing: info@newroombristol.org.uk We are also available for services of blessing for same-sex couples who are already married to take place in the church.

We will be celebrating this decision as part of the Christians at Bristol Pride Rainbow Service that will take place in our chapel at 10am on 9th July 2022.