As marriage rates continue to decline across the United Kingdom, a leading Christian think tank is calling on churches to take a bold step: eliminate wedding fees for low-income couples in an effort to strengthen families and renew commitment to marriage.
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a London-based conservative think tank, is urging the Church of England to remove the financial barriers that often prevent couples from marrying in their local parish. In a new 59-page report, the group argues that high costs are discouraging marriage—especially among lower-income families who would benefit most from the stability and support marriage can bring.
Currently, couples in England must pay around $765 to marry in their home parish, with additional optional costs for music, heating, flowers, bells, and other services. In total, wedding fees can easily reach nearly $900. The CSJ believes those costs unintentionally send the message that marriage is a privilege rather than a foundational institution meant to support families and communities.
“Marriage is a public and private good,” the report states, emphasizing that strong families help foster healthier children and more stable communities. Researchers argue that financial barriers should not prevent couples from entering into a lifelong covenant, especially within the Church.
The report highlights troubling trends: church weddings in 2023 were at their lowest level since records began in 1837, excluding the pandemic years. At the same time, nearly half of children in the UK are now born to unmarried parents, with the impact felt most deeply in poorer households. Among lower-income families, nearly half of children do not live with both parents by the age of five, which is three times the rate of children in higher-income homes.
“We are not suggesting simply taking benefits from older citizens and giving them to younger citizens,” the researchers wrote. “The far greater change of recent years is in family stability. Family-structure evidence consistently shows that marriage is much more stable than cohabitation.”
The CSJ estimates that covering wedding costs for low-income couples would cost the government no more than $43 million, and likely far less due to lower marriage rates in those communities. The group believes the long-term social benefits—greater family stability, improved child outcomes, and stronger communities—would far outweigh the expense.
Luke Taylor, a CSJ researcher, told Church Times that churches should “go further and faster” to remove barriers to marriage, especially for families already facing economic hardship.
Currently, couples must pay fees that support the parish and diocesan administration, although some costs can be waived at the discretion of local churches. The Church of England also encourages couples to speak with their vicar early and explore possible financial support, including credit unions if needed.
The report draws on research showing that family breakdown contributes to poorer outcomes for children, especially boys, including higher risks of academic failure, unemployment, and mental health struggles. It argues that marriage helps keep fathers engaged and provides children with greater emotional and economic stability.
For Christians, the message is clear: marriage is not merely a cultural tradition, but a sacred covenant meant to be nurtured and protected. By removing financial barriers, churches have an opportunity to reflect Christ’s heart for families and help rebuild a culture where marriage is accessible, supported, and celebrated—especially for those who need it most.
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