– ABOUT
Occasions & venue hire
– OCCASIONS & VENUE HIRE
No matter the occasion your event at St Mary’s is guaranteed to impress
St Mary’s offers a versatile venue for weddings, baptisms, and family occasions as well as clubs, community gatherings, and meetings.
Weddings
The Rector is always delighted to meet couples who wish to be married at St Mary the Virgin, Henley-on-Thames. The best thing to do is simply to come to a service in church on a Sunday morning – the main service is usually at 9.30am, and there is also a shorter service at 8am – and introduce yourselves in person.
If for any reason this is not practicable, you can email the Rector at rector.hwr@btinternet.com. He will endeavour to guide you clearly and simply through the process.
Baptisms
Holy Baptism (sometimes known as Christening) is a Sacrament of Initiation, through which we are welcomed and incorporated into the Church. In baptism we receive the grace of God, sharing sacramentally in the death of Christ that we may share in the fulness of His risen life. We warmly welcome enquiries for Holy Baptism, which usually takes place during the main 9.30am Sung Eucharist (although other times can be arranged where necessary).
The best way to start the conversation is to come along to a Sunday service and speak to one of the clergy. If for any reason this is not practicable, you can email the Rector at rector.hwr@btinternet.com.
Chantry House – hire
The Chantry House is a beautiful and unusual late-medieval building adjacent to the Church, and it serves as our church hall. It is available for hire for a variety of purposes, including parties, seminars, and concerts, all at very reasonable rates.
The finest timber-framed building in Henley, the Chantry house is the only Grade I listed structure in the town. It has had many uses over the centuries of its existence, including as a school, and has recently been extensively restored.
The name suggests that it housed some of Henley’s medieval chantry priests, but in fact, the name originated only during the early 20th century. During the summer, teas are served on Sunday afternoons. On sunny days, teas can be enjoyed on the picturesque churchyard terrace.