Is it cheaper to get married in a church or registry office?

In general, a civil ceremony at a register office costs less than a church wedding, but the difference depends on your exact circumstances. Register offices charge a set fee for the ceremony and the marriage schedule or document. You also pay to give notice at your local register office, which is a separate cost. A Church of England or Church in Wales wedding usually involves fees for banns or a licence, the vicar's services, and often a voluntary donation to the church. Some churches also charge for the bell ringer, organist or heating. If you choose a religious building that is not your parish church, fees can be higher. The cheapest legal route is usually a simple register office ceremony on a weekday, with just your two witnesses. But remember that a religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding in certain circumstances, so check with your place of worship. Always ask for a written breakdown of fees from both the register office and the church before you decide.