Devon churches want to reverse decline in wedding services
As the number of church weddings continues to fall, churches in Devon are trying to tempt couples back.
Last updated 12th Oct 2021
A Church of England project to encourage more couples to choose a church wedding has been unveiled in Devon - as nationally fewer than one in four people are now choosing a religious ceremony.
The campaign called 'Devon Church Weddings' will showcase the county’s 600 Anglican churches, many of which are Grade 1 listed and in beautiful coastal or rural locations.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Jackie Searle, who is leading Devon Church Weddings, said: “A church is a beautiful and special place in which to make marriage promises, celebrate love and be blessed.
“Many couples who come to church to marry find they become part of a church community who love and support them through their future life.
“Weddings have taken place in churches for generations, with families and friends gathering to celebrate."
In Devon, there were around 977 Church of England weddings and 63 blessings in 2018 and around 800 weddings and 50 blessings in 2019.
There was a sharp drop in 2020, due to coronavirus legislation preventing or restricting weddings for much of the year.
The Archdeacon of Exeter, the Venerable Andrew Beane, said couples who had married in 2020 might like to now consider a church blessing.
He said: “A wedding blessing in church gives couples a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their wedding with family and friends who, perhaps because of COVID restrictions, couldn’t attend their special day.
“Blessing might take place on a special anniversary too. Wedding blessings do not involve any legal paperwork and can be organised by contacting one of our splendid churches.”
Reverend Sue Davies-Fletcher is a priest in Westward Ho! in North Devon and is part of the Devon Church Weddings team who will be at the wedding fair.
She said: “My hope as a parish priest is that I might be able to help couples to make their wedding the day they have always dreamed of, blending ancient tradition and modern experience to reflect their story.
“I love the opportunity to chat with couples and families at wedding fairs, to listen to their stories and memories and hear of the excitement.
“It is about encouraging couples not to be afraid to ask the church what they can do and show that a church is so much more than simply a venue.”