Your Cart is Empty
FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
You said “yes” to the proposal, congratulations! Champagne, confetti, and... bills. Because before you jet off into eternal happiness (or at least until the first argument over the choice of couch), you're going to have to talk budget. And if you've chosen to get married in a church, know that the ceremony isn't completely free. Here's a look, without any dubious pun intended, at what it really costs. Spoiler: it depends, but it does.
Yes, even if God is love, religious marriage has its little lines at the bottom of the contract. The church does not sell love, but it has costs like everyone else: maintenance, heating, lighting, wilted flowers to replace... And let's not forget the famous wedding dress , which can also add to the bill. In short, getting married in a church involves some very concrete expenses.
So no, you don't buy your blessing. But a "participation fee" is generally requested by the parish. It varies, but on average, expect to pay between €150 and €300 . In some large cities, it can go up to €400. It's not a fixed fee, but a sort of "recommended donation." It's a bit like tipping at a restaurant, except here, it's Jesus looking at you from the back of the church.
If you want to get married in a church other than your home parish, expect a potential surcharge . Some churches charge a little more for non-regulars. A kind of “tourist supplement.” Joking aside, you will sometimes be asked for an additional €50 to €100.
Sometimes, especially in high-demand areas (Provence in June, for example), booking a church can be a headache... and expensive. You'll be asked for a deposit to secure the date. Nothing serious, but budget an extra €50 to €100 to secure your slot.
Because a church wedding isn't just about showing up, saying "I do," and driving off in a convertible. There's a whole world of details behind this sacred ceremony... and those details, you guessed it, don't come cheap.
No strings attached here, but let's be honest: an empty church without flowers is a bit sad. If you want a "wow" effect as the bride enters, consider a floral envelope. On average, church flowers cost between €200 and €500, depending on your taste for peonies, your passion for Pinterest wedding arrangements, or the effect you want to create when the bride arrives in her strapless wedding dress.
The church is very quiet without music. And no, streaming a Spotify playlist to your Bluetooth speaker isn't an option. If you want an organist, you'll have to pay them. Expect to pay between €100 and €250 for the service. Add one or two live musicians? That jumps to €300-600 depending on the talent hired .
Essential for Aunt Josiane to follow the process without panicking. Printing mass booklets can quickly add up: €0.50 to €1 per booklet depending on the quality, printing, and quantity. For 100 guests, you're already at €100.
This is the “we’re young, we’re broke, but we have ideas” option. It’s possible to save money by getting involved. But it takes time, energy, and some hidden DIY (Do It Yourself) skills.
Making your own floral arrangements or church booklets? A great idea if you're creative, patient, and have Netflix to help you while away the long evenings of cutting. But be careful: buying flowers in bulk, finding the right ribbons, printing properly... it's still a budget. You can hope to halve the costs , but not eliminate them.
Got a pianist friend? A violinist cousin? Now's the time to call them (nicely). They might be happy to contribute to the wedding, and it could save you a few hundred euros, just like a winter wedding dress you can find at a discount. Still, prepare a small gift or a nice thank-you note; it's not free, but it's classy.
Let's do the math. A church wedding isn't just a "little extra ceremony." It's a real expense in your overall budget.
Contribution to church costs : €150 to €400
Floral decoration : €200 to €500
Live music / organist : €100 to €600
Mass booklets : €50 to €150
Other small costs (reservation, authorizations, etc.) : €50 to €100
TOTAL: between €550 and €1,750
And that's without counting travel, rehearsals, or possible surprises (like a florist who doubles her prices on Valentine's Day).
Because yes, the question arises. Civil marriage is obligatory , religious marriage is optional . And their costs have nothing to do with each other.
At the town hall, the state is the one treating you. The celebration is free, unless you opt for a specific location or a ceremony outside of normal hours (like, Saturday night at 8 p.m., that's not really planned). Otherwise, it's zero euros. Even the chairs are included!
A church wedding is a spiritual commitment. But it's also an investment. And if you combine a civil ceremony with a religious ceremony, don't forget to double-check certain expenses (hair, makeup, satin wedding dress , travel, etc.). Some couples prefer to do everything on the same day to avoid double costs.
Yes and no. We can't cut all costs, but we can limit them. Here are some ideas.
Less hassle, less travel costs, and most importantly, less risk of extra costs for “non-parishioners.” Bonus: the priest may know you, which makes things easier to organize.
You're not haggling over a kebab, but you can discuss it . Some parishes agree to adjust donations based on your financial situation. Just ask tactfully.
You don't need a philharmonic orchestra to make Grandma cry. A simple organist, a few well-placed floral arrangements, and thoughtful service booklets can all be enough to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Just like a plus-size wedding dress , the key is to focus on elegant simplicity .
Because even with the best plan, there's always an unexpected event. Here are the surprise expenses to plan for.
Some churches (especially listed historic buildings) may require liability insurance . It's not expensive (around €30-50 for a day), but if you don't know about it, it can be frustrating.
Winter wedding? Some parishes charge separately for church heating . Yes, you read that right. Between €50 and €100, depending on the size and outside temperature.
If you need to organize a dress rehearsal, with a priest, musicians, and witnesses, you may have to pay a little more. This is rare, but possible. The cost of a church wedding.
So, how much does a church wedding really cost? If you want a realistic range:
Tight but reasonable budget : around €600 to €800
Average budget : around €1,000 to €1,200
Comfort/high-end budget : between €1,500 and €2,000
Yes, it's expensive. But it's also a unique moment, a meaningful ceremony, and a milestone in your relationship.
With a little planning, creativity, and a few smart tips, you can have a beautiful church wedding without selling a kidney. And, between you and me, if you're ready to say "I do" in front of God and your loved ones, it's probably not $200 more or less that will change your mind.