A church was once the traditional venue for couples in Canada to tie the knot. But, nowadays, it’s relatively uncommon. Less than one in five couples decide to get married in a church or religious setting, choosing alternative venues such as hotels, banquet halls, and even the great outdoors.
But, did you know that a church wedding is actually one of the most affordable venues you could choose? And it has the added benefit of being historical, full of character and meaning, and absolutely stunning.
Think about it: you’re in a building that could be over a century old. You’re surrounded by your friends and family, and you lock eyes with your spouse-to-be at the other end of the aisle, and a priest marries the two of you in a wonderful, personal ceremony. Doesn’t that sound perfect? The icing on the cake is the fact that it’s also far cheaper to get married in a church than in many other popular venues.
In this post, we’re going to dive into how much a church wedding costs in Canada, including the differences between Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, and the additional costs to be aware of before deciding whether or not a church wedding is for you.
What’s the average cost of a church wedding?
In Canada, the average cost of a church wedding is between $300 and $1,500, which makes it one of the most affordable types of wedding venues, second only to ceremonies held at a city hall. For comparison, the average cost of a wedding venue in Canada, including reception halls, hotels, and similar locations, can reach up to $9,500 or more.
These figures generally include the ceremony itself, as well as fees for officiants, utilities, and basic administration. However, they do not include your attire, rings, transportation, photography, or reception costs. You’ll also need to factor in costs related to the engagement ring and honeymoon.
But, depending on the type of church you get married in, this figure can vary dramatically. For more information on wedding costs, read our complete guide to the average cost of a wedding in Canada.
The cost of getting married in different churches
In Canada, the cost of a church wedding will differ depending on whether you get married in an Anglican church, a Roman Catholic church, or another religious setting. The one you choose will, of course, depend on your beliefs and preferences.
How much does it cost to get married in an Anglican church?
If you’re getting married in an Anglican church in your local parish, the cost of a wedding will typically range from $500 to $1,000. This fee often includes the church building, the officiant, basic utilities like heating and lighting, and administrative services.
If you’re getting married outside your local parish or in a more historic or iconic church, the cost may be higher. Some Anglican churches may also charge for extras such as music, bell ringing, or special decorations.
How much does it cost to get married in a Roman Catholic church?
There’s no fixed fee for getting married in a Roman Catholic church in Canada, as marriage is considered a sacrament and a gift from God. However, a donation of $200 to $500 is customary to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the church.
Before you run to book your Roman Catholic church wedding, there are a couple of stipulations. Firstly, at least one of you must be Roman Catholic in order for the two of you to get married in a Roman Catholic church. Secondly, you must give the church at least six months’ notice, which means you can’t use a Roman Catholic church if you’re hoping to get married quickly.
Other Christian denominations
- United Church of Canada: Fees range from $300–$800, depending on the location and services included.
- Presbyterian and Lutheran churches: Fees are similar to Anglican churches, around $400–$1,000, with potential extras for music or heating.
What extras do you have to be aware of with a church wedding?
The ceremony the church provides as part of its offering doesn’t include extras, such as an organist, verger, extra heating, or bell ringing, nor the costs of other vendors you might want to include as part of the ceremony, such as flowers, a photographer, and/or videographer.
Speak to your priest about what extras they can provide and how much they cost, but below will give you a rough idea:
- Organist – around $100–$300
- Bell ringing – around $50–$150
- Verger – around $50–$100
- Extra heating – around $75–$200
You may also be asked about an additional donation to contribute towards the general costs associated with the church; however, this is a voluntary donation. Many churches can cost between $50,000 and $100,000 per year to run, so any amount you care to donate will be welcome.
Of course, none of these extras are mandatory, but you may choose to have them so you have music, the magic of ringing church bells, and heating to warm your guests – particularly if you’re having a winter wedding. Churches can get pretty cold!
What about the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
While it will often cost you around $1,000 to get married in a church (or less if you choose not to donate), you also need to bear in mind the cost of the post-ceremony wedding breakfast and evening reception you may want to hold so you can celebrate your marriage with your loved ones.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to host your celebrations at the church itself – but there may be a neighbouring church hall or community hall you could use. Alternatively, a local restaurant, pub with a function room, or hotel are great venues for a breakfast and/or reception.
Depending on how and where you choose to celebrate, it will bump up the cost of your church wedding. But as we highlighted earlier, you’re still more likely to pay significantly less than the average Canadian wedding.
Find your perfect venue on Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and expertise you could need to plan your wedding, whether you choose to have it in a church or another equally fabulous venue. Sign up and start planning your big day today!
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