Ceremony, legal and venues
Church weddings
Banns, the vicar, hymns and getting married in church. 54 questions, answered for UK weddings.
Guide · Church weddingsChurch Weddings in the UK: A Complete GuideThis guide covers church weddings in the UK, including legal requirements, ceremony length, dress code, vows, guests, and what happens afte…Guide · Church weddingsChurch Wedding Cost and Fees ExplainedThis guide explains what churches in the UK charge for weddings, why those fees exist, and how to find the current costs from your local ch…Guide · Church weddingsCan You Marry in Church If Not Religious?This guide explains whether you can marry in a Church of England or other church if you are not religious, are divorced, or follow a differ…
- How much to give for a church wedding?There is no set amount for a church wedding. Costs vary widely depending on the church, the diocese and the extras you choose. The best approach is t…
- How long is a church wedding ceremony?A typical church wedding ceremony lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The exact length depends on the denomination, the number of hymns, readings and pr…
- Are church weddings legal?Yes, church weddings are legal in the UK if the church is registered for marriages and the ceremony follows the legal requirements. For Church of Eng…
- What is the typical budget for a church wedding?There is no typical budget for a church wedding because costs vary hugely by church, region and choices. Some churches charge a modest fee, while oth…
- Why have a church wedding?A church wedding gives you a legal ceremony in a sacred building, often with deep personal or family meaning. It can feel traditional, spiritual and …
- Do you have to sing hymns at a church wedding?No, you do not have to sing hymns at a church wedding. You can choose the music you want, as long as the minister agrees. Many couples pick a mix of …
- Is a church wedding legally binding in the UK?Yes, a church wedding is legally binding in the UK if it takes place in a building registered for marriages and follows the legal requirements. This …
- What are the Church of England wedding fees in 2026?We cannot state the Church of England wedding fees for 2026 because they are set locally and change each year. Check with your parish church, the reg…
- Can you get legally married in a church in the UK?Yes, you can get legally married in a church in the UK, but the rules depend on where you are and which church you choose. In England and Wales, Chur…
- Can anyone walk into a church wedding?No, guests cannot simply walk into a church wedding. Entry is by invitation only, and you should only attend if you have been invited by the couple.
- How much does it cost to have a church wedding in the UK?The cost varies by church and parish, and there is no single national fee. You should ask the specific church for its charges, which often cover the …
- Does marriage come from the Church?Marriage does not come from the Church. It is a legal contract recognised by the state, and the Church simply blesses or officiates it depending on t…
- What is church marriage called?A church marriage is called a wedding, or more specifically a Christian marriage service. In the Church of England and Church in Wales it is a Holy M…
- Who pays for the church at a wedding?The couple usually pays for the church, but traditions vary and families often contribute. Ask your place of worship for its fees and rules early.
- What happens in a church wedding?A church wedding is a religious ceremony led by a minister, with vows, readings, music and a blessing. In England and Wales it is usually legally bin…
- What's needed for a church wedding?You need to give notice at your local register office, have banns read or obtain a licence from your parish, and hold the ceremony in a Church of Eng…
- Can non-Catholics do readings at a Catholic wedding?Yes, non-Catholics can often do readings at a Catholic wedding, but you must ask the priest first and agree on the text. Rules vary by parish and diocese.
- What should guests wear to a church wedding?Guests should wear smart, modest clothing that suits the season and the couple's dress code. Avoid white, cream or anything too casual like jeans or …
- Can a church wedding take place outside?In the UK, a legal church wedding cannot take place outside. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings must happen inside the church building, a…
- Can a church wedding be annulled?Yes, a church wedding can be annulled, but the rules vary by church and country. In England and Wales, annulment is a legal process, not just a relig…
- Can a Muslim attend a church wedding?Yes, a Muslim can attend a church wedding. Islam does not forbid attending a wedding in a church, as long as you are comfortable and do not participa…
- Can anyone attend a church wedding?Not always. Church weddings are usually open to guests, but the minister decides who may attend. Some churches limit numbers or require an invitation…
- Can you have a church wedding without a bridal party?Yes. You can have a church wedding with no bridesmaids, groomsmen, page boys or flower girls. Many couples choose a simple ceremony with just two wit…
- Can you wear black to a church wedding?Yes, you can usually wear black to a church wedding in the UK. Black is now a common colour for wedding guest outfits, especially for evening or wint…
- Can I have a church wedding after a divorce?Yes, you can usually have a church wedding after a divorce, but it depends on the church and its rules. The Church of England and Church in Wales gen…
- Is a church wedding compulsory for Christians?No, a church wedding is not compulsory for Christians. Your marriage is legally recognised if you have a civil ceremony or a wedding in a registered …
- Does a church charge for a wedding?Yes, most churches charge a fee for a wedding, but the amount varies. The Church of England sets standard fees, while other churches set their own. Y…
- What do you do after a church wedding ceremony?After the ceremony, you sign the marriage schedule or document with your two witnesses, then you walk back down the aisle. Guests usually throw confe…
- Do church weddings start on time?Yes, church weddings usually start on time. The minister has a set schedule, and other services or weddings may follow yours. Arrive at least 15 minu…
- Do church weddings have to be religious?No, but the ceremony will follow the church's own format. In a Church of England wedding, you can choose non-religious readings and music, but the vo…
- How do church weddings work?Church weddings in the UK are legal ceremonies held in a registered religious building, often with banns or a licence. You usually need two witnesses…
- Do churches hold weddings on Sundays?Some churches do hold weddings on Sundays, but it varies by denomination and individual church. Many churches avoid Sundays because of regular servic…
- Do churches hold weddings on Fridays?Yes, many churches hold weddings on Fridays, and it is often easier to book than a Saturday. Friday weddings are popular because they allow guests to…
- Do churches hold weddings on weekdays?Yes, churches do hold weddings on weekdays, and it is often easier to arrange than a weekend. Monday to Thursday weddings are allowed in most churche…
- Is a church wedding the same as a court wedding?No, a church wedding and a court wedding are different. A church wedding is a religious ceremony in a registered place of worship, while a court wedd…
- Is a church wedding mentioned in the Bible?The Bible does not describe a church wedding ceremony as we know it today. It mentions weddings and marriage as covenants, but the formal church serv…
- Why is a church wedding important?A church wedding is important for many couples because it makes a public, spiritual commitment before God, their family and their community. It can g…
- Why do churches charge for weddings?Churches charge for weddings to cover the costs of running the building, heating, lighting, cleaning, and paying for staff such as the minister, orga…
- Are the reading of banns a legal requirement?For Church of England and Church in Wales weddings, reading banns is usually a legal requirement unless you get a common licence or a special licence…
- How do you read the banns of marriage?The banns are read aloud by the vicar or a church official during the main Sunday service, usually after the sermon or at a set point in the liturgy.…
- What is the reading of the banns?The reading of banns is a public announcement in church that a marriage is planned, giving anyone the chance to object. It is a legal step for Church…
- Who can read the banns of marriage in church?Banns are read by the minister or clergy of the church where you are marrying. In the Church of England and Church in Wales, this is usually the vica…
- Do you have to be present when banns are read?No, you do not have to be present when banns are read. The minister reads them during a service, and your presence is not required for them to be val…
- Can you get married in a church if you are not religious?Yes, you can often get married in a church even if you are not religious, but it depends on the church and its minister. Church of England and Church…
- Do you need an order of service for a church wedding?No, you do not need an order of service for a church wedding, but it is a helpful guide for guests. It lists the hymns, prayers and readings, and hel…
- What are the requirements for a church wedding in the UK?The requirements vary by country and church. In England and Wales, Church of England weddings usually need banns read or a licence, while other churc…
- What are the rules for a Catholic church wedding in the UK?Catholic weddings in the UK follow canon law and local diocesan rules. You usually need to be baptised, attend a marriage preparation course, and hav…
- What is the etiquette for a church wedding?Church wedding etiquette centres on respect and punctuality. Arrive early, turn off phones, dress modestly, follow the service order, stand and sit w…
- What are the traditions for a church wedding?Common church wedding traditions include the bride walking down the aisle, exchanging vows and rings, readings from scripture, hymns, prayers, a bles…
- What are the rules for a church wedding?Church wedding rules depend on the church and where you live in the UK. In England and Wales, Church of England weddings usually need banns read or a…
- What is a church wedding policy?A church wedding policy is the set of rules a specific church has for weddings, covering who can marry there, what the service can include, music, fl…
- What is the church wedding dress code for guests?For a church wedding, guests should dress smartly and modestly. That usually means a suit or smart dress, with shoulders covered, and comfortable sho…
- What are good church wedding decoration ideas?Keep church decoration simple, respectful and reversible so it does not damage the building or clash with its rules. Work closely with the church and…
- What are the best church wedding songs and hymns?The best church wedding songs and hymns are those your officiant and venue approve, chosen from the church's own list. Popular choices include tradit…
From us
Website packages · Wedding print
Wedding websiteWedding Website£499 one-offYour full wedding website with RSVP for every event, meal choices and a private link for each household.See Wedding Website →
Wedding printOrder of service bookletsfrom £78.64Stapled booklets for the order of service, hymns, readings and the people in your wedding party.Design it online →
Wedding printPrinted wedding invitationsfrom £36.28Printed invitations and save the dates on quality card, with a QR code that opens your wedding website.Design it online →
Wedding printThank-you cardsfrom £42.34Folded thank-you cards with your favourite photo from the day on the front.Design it online → 
Save the date cards
Table plan boards
Welcome signs