Church Wedding Fees up 40% despite earlier promises of no increase.
The Church of England has announced plans to increase the cost of weddings from £296 to £413.
This news comes after a vote last year rejected the proposed increase and a statement issed by the church assured that "fees will not go up in the forseeable future". The higher rates will come into effect as of January 2013 and for the first time include additional costs for items such as lighting and administration.
The general Synod which is the Church's governing body has acknowledged that the rises will likely have an impact on less wealthy couples.
The Rev Canon Simon Killwick, a vicar in Moss Side,
"It would be a crying shame if poor people end up being married in register offices because the Church of England has priced them out of their parish church."
Higher Clergy Salaries.
It seems that the rise in weddings costs is part of a wider agenda to cover rising costs of clergy salaries. The Rt Rev John Packer, the Bishop of Ripon and
He told the General Synod that the fees raised about £35m a year for the Church, including £15m towards the pay of clergy. "The reality of what it costs matters, and it seems to me that those who are being married within our churches do understand that," he said.