Church Wedding or Civil Ceremony – Which is Right for You?
Congratulations, you’re engaged! It’s time to start planning all the details, such as your colour scheme, decor and the all important dress. Most importantly, you need to decide between a church wedding or civil ceremony – which is right for you? What’s the difference? Well, I have you covered.
Above: The Mill Barns, Alverley, Shropshire
As a family and wedding photography company based in Worcestershire, I offer services in other local counties. With over 12 years of wedding photography experience, I’ve seen countless ceremonies take place. I can offer top tips and insight into what you may wish to consider before choosing a venue for your special day.
Planning your dream wedding can be tough. There is a lot to consider when choosing where to marry the love of your life. I’m excited to share the 4 things to consider and ensure that you feel confident in your search for the big day.
Church Wedding Ceremony or Civil Ceremony?
Above: Manor Hill House, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
Cost
Depending on whether you want a traditional church or a non-religious marriage ceremony, wedding venues vary in price.
According to 2024 data from the Church of England, getting married at a church can start from £539 (if both parties live in the same parish as the church they like) and go up to £641 (if both parties do not live in the parish where the church is). This fee covers the basics such as the vicar, renting the church, lighting, and all administration (including calling your banns and a banns certificate).
However, the basic fee for a church ceremony does not include your marriage certificate. Furthermore, since it’s your big day, you may want to purchase optional extras, such as an organist, to add that special magic to your wedding.
In contrast, getting married at a registry office can often work out cheaper but will require research in the area you wish to hold your wedding if you are considering this option.
Of course, civil ceremonies also take place in grand and luxurious places such as castles and stately homes, but they can be more expensive than a church wedding. Additionally, booking a civil ceremony requires paying extra for a registrar and does not include your marriage certificate.
Above: Stanbrook Abbey, near Malvern, Worcestershire
Timings (wait time to get married)
I’m sure you have already thought about the timing of your engagement and wedding.
With a church wedding, couples typically contact the place they wish to marry in roughly 18-24 months before the wedding date. Of course, this is alongside looking at reception venues so it can all fit together.
Within this timeframe, you need to meet with the vicar or priest to get to know them, complete all the forms, and arrange for your banns to be read at your local church if the one you intend to marry is not within your parish. You must inform the vicar if you want to record the ceremony due to copyright laws.
Some churches require you to attend at least 6 months’ worth of prayers to create a connection with the church before they will consider marrying you. If you want to marry soon, it is worth contacting the vicar or priest to discuss this.
Above: Our Lady & All Saints Church, Stourbridge, West Midlands
In contrast, civil marriages can take place a lot quicker. Both partners must attend a registry office in person in the district they have lived in at least 7 days before they can give notice of the intent to marry. From there, you can get married in as little as 29 days.
Above: Blackwell Grange, Cotswolds
Of course, you can spend longer finding the right venue as you have up to 1 year from the date you gave notice to have your big day. Whether you want a lavish affair or an intimate gathering, there may be a shorter wait time if you choose a civil ceremony.
Fundamentally, both types of wedding ceremonies should fit around your timeline and budget. It is your big day and should be perfect.
Beliefs
Your beliefs are central to who you are and often inform your choice of wedding ceremony. If you have always dreamed of a traditional church wedding but aren’t religious, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get married in church.
Catholic church wedding ceremonies are a little more complicated. Both of you are required to be baptised Christians, with one of the parties being a Catholic. Furthermore, you both may need to participate in marriage classes. These classes give you and your partner insight into honouring your vows and how to be a great partner.
Above: Redhouse Barn, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
A civil ceremony is non-religious, so everything in your wedding must not contain religious connotations. But that doesn’t make it any less fun. A civil marriage allows you to express your and your partner’s humour, show off your favourite songs, and allow a more personalised touch.
Above: Bordesley Park, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire / Below: Davenport House, Shropshire
Both ceremonies are beautiful in their own ways. There is so much you can do with church ceremonies or civil ceremonies.
Formality of a church wedding and civil marriage
In today’s age, church wedding ceremonies are becoming more relaxed in formalities and adapting to individual choices.
I have taken some stunning photos of couples in churches. The photos capture centuries of history and become part of the couple’s love story, and of course, the architecture is just as stunning as the couple.
Above: (left) Sacred Heart Church, Droitwich, Worcestershire / (right) St Peters, Arley, Shropshire
Furthermore, you can also be involved in your wedding choices and get support from the Church of England’s online ceremony planner. You get to dictate how formal you wish the ceremony to be but do remember that there will be some hymns and religious passages read.
As previously mentioned, civil ceremonies can take place in some interesting locations. Your civil ceremony venue is your oyster. You can wear whatever you want and relax the dress code for the ceremony if that is your thing.
Above: Curradine Barns, Shrawley, Worcestershire
You can play whatever music you like, read your vows or even do a little dance if that is what you fancy. Civil ceremonies are a blank slate that you can go wild. This type of ceremony offers you slightly more freedom than a church wedding.
So, a church wedding or civil ceremony – which is right for you? There is no right or wrong answer of course. Hopefully this post has been useful in helping with your decision.
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With over 12 years of experience in the wedding industry, I hope these wedding planning top tips have been useful to you! Feel free to visit our wedding page to learn more about our wedding photography.
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