How much to give for a church wedding?

There is no fixed price for a church wedding in the UK. The cost depends on the church, whether it is Church of England, Church in Wales, Church of Scotland, Catholic, or another denomination, and on the area you live in. Some churches ask for a set fee, others suggest a donation, and a few are free but welcome a gift towards the upkeep of the building.

Your first step should be to contact the church office or vicar and ask for their current marriage fee list. They will usually tell you the basic fee for the ceremony, and then any extra costs for things like bells, an organist, a choir, flowers, or a rehearsal. You can also ask whether there is a separate fee for a wedding licence or for having banns read.

Remember that fees can change each year, and some churches charge more for visitors who are not local parishioners. If money is tight, be open about it. Many churches are happy to discuss a reduced fee or a payment plan. The most important thing is to ask early, so there are no surprises later.