Is this normal for a church?

reformedEffortmaker

Definitely doesnt sound right, I got married last month in a C of E church and all in it was less than £400. With no compulsory verger, and he even let our photographer and marryoke lady film (everything but the exchange of vows)

rev_henry

floss2 wrote: »

All the more reason to ask why not when you get to speak to the vicar...although it sounds like it maybe a bit like trying to get past a Dr's receptionist

Or check the "rules" on their dioscese website? Then you have something to challenge them with...but you might want to try & find a different church just in case.

I thought exactly the same about the secretary. See my link earlier, its blatantly illegal.

Think we'll go to the service and see if we can speak to the vicar. Thanks again for everyone's help. We'll just have to see what happens I guess.

cats2012

reformedEffortmaker wrote: »

Definitely doesnt sound right, I got married last month in a C of E church and all in it was less than £400. With no compulsory verger, and he even let our photographer and marryoke lady film (everything but the exchange of vows)

Just to clarify, fees have gone up for 2013.

rev_henry

Well, we went to the service this morning and he just said they charge for facilities etc because there are costs involved, the official fee is set by the C of E, but if we're struggling financially we can come to an arrangement. I wouldn't be happy to do that because we're not struggling, we'd just like to save some money and its the principle of being charged something unlawful.

So now we're considering some other options but haven't completely ruled the church out...

rev_henry

Does anyone have any ideas then? Vaguely exploring various permutations now though the church is still there...

rev_henry

Well, I've had a chat with a youth pastor I know from back when I was at school. He's shown it to his vicar and he said yes, absolutely not allowed, this is what the Church is trying to stamp out.

floss2

rev_henry wrote: »

Well, we went to the service this morning and he just said they charge for facilities etc because there are costs involved, the official fee is set by the C of E, but if we're struggling financially we can come to an arrangement. I wouldn't be happy to do that because we're not struggling, we'd just like to save some money and its the principle of being charged something unlawful.

So now we're considering some other options but haven't completely ruled the church out...

Have you asked him if you CAN have your own musicians etc?

rev_henry

floss2 wrote: »

Have you asked him if you CAN have your own musicians etc?

Yes, its the admin and facilities fees I'm more concerned about now, which are actually unlawful.

MentalMinnie

How much do these fees add up to? I would consider making an official conplaint to whomever is above your vicar. Its downright naughty!!

Noctu

I suppose the question now is, do you really want to get married at a church who are trying to cause you so much hassle and extra unwarranted expense?