6 Things Every Couple Wants to Know About Church Weddings

Thinking about having a church wedding? You're not alone. Whether you're wondering if it's possible to get married in your local church, how much a wedding costs, or whether you can make the service uniquely your own, these are some of the most common questions couples ask when planning their big day. We've gathered the answers to help you explore what a church wedding in Devon could look like for you.

Can we marry in a church if we don't attend regularly?

Please be encouraged that you don’t have to attend church to get married in a church. We are delighted that you are ready to make these amazing promises to each other; we would love to be a part of your special day and to ask for God’s blessing upon your marriage.

Because getting married gives you a whole new legal status with many benefits, there are considerations for the vicar to make in both UK civil and church law. The Church of England Your Church Wedding website has lots of guidance on how to register to marry in a CofE church in Devon:

• Can I marry in church?

• Legal requirements

• Church of England Information – Marriage Document

What is so special about a church wedding?

With nearly 600 locations across Devon, getting married in Devon offers some stunning locations or historical sites that have been the settings for beautiful weddings for centuries. Churches are rooted in community, surrounded in prayer and are places that connect past, present and future generations.

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A church wedding also invites you to discover the church community. You’ll be invited to hear your banns being read; you’ll get to know your local vicar, perhaps members of the wider congregation through the choir or the church flower team. Perhaps, your local church has a toddler group, foodbank or support group you might like to get involved with?

Choosing to marry in church is to celebrate your love and commitment to each other with vows made and promises given, with hymns and music (if you wish) and with prayer and blessing. To see just how special a church wedding can be, visit our photo gallery to see stunning photos from church weddings.

How much does it cost?

Weddings can be small and beautiful, intimate and personal, or large and extravagant. An intimate wedding attended by your closest friends and family might just be your cup of tea, rather than a big celebration with hundreds of guests. It is important to consider what feels comfortable to you as a couple.

Sometimes the cost of weddings can feel enormous, but a simple church wedding does not need to cost the earth! The standard fee for a wedding is around £605, plus optional extras which could include an organist, choir, bells and flowers. Click here to find out more.

Where can I find my local church?

If you're not sure of where your nearest Church of England church is, A Church Near You will be able to help you find it. Simply enter your town or postcode, and it will show you local churches in your area. From there it will give you details about the church, along with contact details for the vicar. Click here to visit A Church Near You.

How do I go about booking a church for my wedding?

If you are considering getting married in a church, please get in touch with the church as soon as you chosen the date of your wedding for an initial chat. Just like reception venues, churches can get booked up in advance. Devon has over 600 churches in some beautiful locations, and our local vicars would love to hear from you to discuss your special day. If you are not sure of the contact details of your local vicar, please visit A Church Near You.

Can we personalise the service?

Of course! Your wedding day should be a unique, special reflection of your relationship as a couple. You are very welcome to personalise aspects of the service. You can make choices such as what hymns you might like, music you might like to play as you walk down the aisle and exit the church as a newly married couple, or ideas for Bible readings. You might even have ideas for special roles in the service, such as a loved one reading the Bible passage or a poem, or if you'd like anyone in particular to pray for you as a couple. Click here for more information.

Don't worry if you're unsure of how you might like your service to look. Your church will be more than happy to offer advice and support from their experience of weddings.

If you have any further questions about Devon Church Weddings, we would love to hear from you! Email us on: devonchurchweddings@exeter.anglican.org