Valentines marry for free thanks to vicar

ROMANTIC Revd Tim Ball, vicar of Holy Trinity Springfield, Chelmsford, made a special announcement for Valentine's Day: Sweethearts can tie the knot for free at his church.

Tim has waived the cost of the service, the choir, the organist, the verger and the heating. And the
good news is that the offer will be available throughout the year.

"My church believes that marriage is best for couples, for children and for the community," says big-hearted Tim. "So we have put our money where our mouth is. We will pay all the costs of the service in the church. We are offering a free marriage service to parishioners because Holy Trinity is a good place to celebrate love and commitment.

"As the Anglican parish church, Holy Trinity, is the appropriate place for the celebration of such love and commitment for couples where one or both parties live within the parish.
"We welcome enquiries for weddings at Holy Trinity and wish to help those who seek a wedding here
to understand and express their love and commitment for one another in this way."

Marriages made in heaven do not have to cost the earth. With the average cost of a wedding reported
to be £21,000, couples can celebrate at a fraction of the cost by using the church hall and inviting their guests to bring a bottle.

The cost of a church wedding service with choir and organist is around £350.
Many people do not realise that couples who have not previously been married have a legal right to
get married in the C of E church in their parish. Churches offer marriage preparation and support.

Visit the Holy Trinity Springfield
website at www.holytrinityspringfield.org.uk

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