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Free to wed in Essex
by Rachel Harden
 | An Essex church has used St Valentine’s Day to promote its new “free” wedding policy. Holy Trinity, Springfield, in Chelmsford, is committed to paying the wedding fees for any couple who wants to get married in the church. The PCC approved the plans last year, but has used 14 February to promote the scheme, which will be bound by Church of England regulations. “We are not expecting queues of couples, as, of course, they still have to be resident in the parish or be a church member,” said the Vicar, the Revd Tim Ball (pictured, left) on Tuesday. Holy Trinity has a couple of weddings a year on average, but hopes to improve on this. “As a church, we are committed to marriage, and believe it is the best relationship for a couple and those with a family, so we are investing in the future of our community.” |
| He said that the church hoped to attract couples who may think it is too expensive to get married, as well as those who might not have considered it before. “Cost can be a big issue, and this way we cover the church fees, including the organist, verger, and so on, and we also offer our hall, which can be hired at a very reasonable rate.” Mr Ball said he had no idea when the scheme would end, but said it could cost the church thousands of pounds, as fees for each wedding were usually about £250. |
