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Can you get married in church on Christmas Day?

Can you get married in church on Christmas Day?


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

There’s no legal reason why you can’t marry on any date of the year, but some days are especially busy for the church. So long as your church and Vicar are able to work around their usual services on Holy days and Bank Holidays, there is no other reason why you can’t get married on these special days. Ask your Vicar about the possibilities.

Of course, most weddings take place on a weekend and Sunday's are also a very popular day for Church of England weddings. If you are planning a wedding for a Sunday or another holy day, the vicar will want to make sure your ceremony doesn't clash with any normal services. They'll also likely need to ensure they have enough supporting staff or volunteers to help on your day.

The only thing that may prevent you from marrying on specific Holy days such as Christmas and Easter are the practicalities for the church. While there are no legal restrictions for getting married on these special days, it is important to remember that churches can be exceptionally busy both on and around these celebrations, and are welcoming many more people through their doors. The leader of that church will want to ensure you can have their full attention on your big day, so will look at the practicalities of you marrying on that day before agreeing to conduct your ceremony.

Couple happy after micro wedding ceremony

Are there any times of the year where I couldn't get married in a church?

There is no legal reason why you couldn't get married in a church on any day of the year. However, it is worth remembering that during certain holy periods or days, the church may take a decision not to conduct weddings. For example, Lent, the 40 days which lead up to Easter Day. This is a holy time when congregations are remembering the temptation of Jesus in the desert. For many, it is a time to reflect and exhibit self-restraint. So, there may be limitations on decorations and the number of weddings the church is happy to conduct during this special time.

Also, as Good Friday is the day marking the crucifixion, it is worth bearing in mind that some churches may take the decision to not conduct weddings on Good Friday due to the sombre and reflective nature of the day. 

What should I do if I want to get married on a noteworthy day?

It is always best to speak to your vicar well in advance if you would like to have a wedding on a religious holiday or even a bank holiday. It is usually down to their discretion as to when you can have your marriage ceremony there. You can find a number of churches across the country on Guides for Brides.

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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