Planning a church wedding?

Couples choose a church for their wedding because for such a special day, they want a special place. There are some things about a church wedding that you just can’t get anywhere else. And, it is now easier than ever before to get married in church. Here are 10 things you might not know about marrying in church:

• You can get married in church regardless of whether you go to church regularly or not.

• You don’t have to be christened or confirmed to marry in a church.

• It is your legal right* to marry in your local church regardless of your beliefs.

• Less than £350 will cover the legal necessities of marrying in church.

• The Church of England has some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the country; two-thirds of Church of England churches are listed.

• Thanks to a change in the law in 2008, there are now more churches to choose from for your wedding. As well as being able to marry in your local church, you can now marry in churches away from where you live if you have family or other connections there.

• You can choose how your ceremony shapes up, and can even start planning your ceremony online. Do it today.

• If you have children, the church welcomes them and encourages them to be part of your wedding ceremony. Find out more about involving children in your wedding.

• The Vicar acts as a registrar at your wedding but he is also your friendly, personal adviser. He can blend ancient tradition with modern experience to reflect your story.

• Half the UK population goes to a church or chapel for a wedding in any given year, (ORB 2007) and guests are just as welcome as couples. Find out more.

* There would only be a complication if either of you had been married before, or if one or both of you was not a British national. For further information, see the Church of England’s web page in marriage after divorce and what happens if one of you is a foreign national.