For those couples for whom the Christian faith is a big part of their lives, a Church Wedding is an obvious choice.
However, for others who believe in God but are not necessarily regular churchgoers, there is often a decision to be made as to whether they will head down the traditional Church Wedding route, or opt for a more modern and contemporary Wedding in one of the thousands of registered venues across the UK.
Church Ceremonies have declined in popularity in recent years in favour of the more popular Civil Weddings, but many still view marriage within one of the many churches across the United Kingdom as both a more romantic and more appropriate way to begin married life. If truth be told, it is not where or how you marry, it is the spirit of love and commitment that counts, but the history and architecture of a traditional church is perceived by many to be one of the most romantic venues that a couple can tie the knot in.
The Church of England, Church in Wales, Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches and Free Churches (Baptist, Methodist and United Reform Churches) all have a strong presence within the country and the rules for Church weddings are broadly similar for all, albeit with slight differences.
Generally speaking, you have the right to marry in the parish church of the town in which you reside or that in which either the Bride or Groom are on the electoral roll (the Church of Scotland does not follow this rule) and the marriage must take place between the hours of 8am and 6pm (again, the Church of Scotland differs on this, and allows marriages at any suitably agreed time). The marriage must also be solemnised in the manner as advised by the Church (typically this is the publication of the banns, but within the Roman Catholic Church for example a common license or Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate is needed instead).
The Services in all churches are quite similar, but do differ in certain ways. Typically they all involve hymns, prayers, readings, a sermon, an exchange of vows and exchange of rings and the signing of the register (a Catholic service may also involve mass and Holy Communion) and tends to last between 30 and 45 minutes (depending upon the number and length of the hymns, readings etc.). You can expect a Church Service to cost a few hundred pounds, although the inclusion of a choir, organist and campanologists (bell-ringers to you and me!) can take the cost up higher – plus you should also consider any floral or other decorations when determining the final cost.
We cover all aspects of a Church Wedding in much greater detail throughout the remainder of this section of the site(Church in Scotland, Orthodox and Free Church information is currently in development and will be available in 2007). It is invaluable reading if you have your heart set on such a Ceremony or are currently considering it.
