The cost of having your wedding in a church looks set to rise by up to 40% after members of the Church of England voted in favour of upping the current fees.

The rise could see prices jump from £296 to £415 alone. The standard fee will only cover the cost for lighting and admin and will not cover extras such as heating, vergers, organists and bell ringers. Any extras will be charged extra on top of the £415.

Churches have argued that the new fees for wedding ceremonies are necessary as they reflect the reality of the cost of a wedding. Those who oppose the increased wedding fees retaliated by pointing out that the church should not raise fees at a time when many couples will be feeling the pinch of the recession.

Some churches fear that poorer couples will turn away from traditional church weddings altogether if the increase happens. A standard registry office service costs just £100 and may become the preferred option.

Would a rise in church prices put you off getting married at a church?

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