The cost of church weddings
There is no doubt that the choices you make about your wedding day can make a huge impact on the cost.
If you choose to marry in church, we want it to be a day that is personal and special for you, but that need not mean you spend a fortune.
See ideas for keeping the cost of your wedding down.
There is a required legal fee for marrying in a church. It is £440* for weddings taking place in 2013, which includes all legal necessities. In 2014, it will rise with inflation to £451**. This is set by the Church of England nationally. It may vary slightly for you depending on your circumstances.
A full breakdown of the legal fees can be viewed here for 2013, or here for weddings taking place in 2014.
This basic legal fee includes the cost of the Vicar, the church, calling your banns, the marriage certificate, lighting and all administration.
If you're marrying in 2014, the slightly higher statutory fee will apply to you, even if you arranged your wedding in a year when a different fee applied.
The statutory fee doesn't include extras you may choose or decline. These are things like having a verger, heating the church, having an organist, bells, choir or flowers. You do not have to have any of these, but if you choose them they will cost extra. The costs for each will be at your church's local rate.
Talk to your vicar early on about what the total cost of your wedding is likely to be. It is good practice for the church to provide you with an itemised bill before your wedding so that you can see exactly what you will be paying for.
These fees have ancient origins and make a contribution to the provision of a church in your community.
Read more about wedding fees.
* This figure is based on a couple living at the same address and marrying in 2013 outside their own parish. It includes:
- the fee set by law payable to the church: £381
- your marriage certificate: £4
- having your banns read at the home church: £21
- having your banns read at the church where you will marry: £21
- your banns certificate: £13
Total legal fee: £440
** This figure is based on a couple living at the same address and marrying in 2014 outside their own parish. It includes:
- the fee set by law payable to the church: £392
- your marriage certificate: £4
- having your banns read at the home church: £21
- having your banns read at the church where you will marry: £21
- your banns certificate: £13
Total: £451
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