We conduct Weddings for free (with certain conditions) or for about £600 for the ceremony in the Church and use of hall for the reception including Cardiff Register Office fees.

This page sets out the requirements for a wedding at Ely Baptist Church, Cardiff but first,

Let me CONGRATULATE you on the forthcoming Wedding! This is a very exciting time and we want to make this process as smooth as possible on our part.

There are legal requirements and so it is for your benefit (yes, really!) to read the whole page and then arrange a meeting with Rev. Ian Thomas on 07789 888 458.

The reality of marriage is that 50% break up and normally within the first two years BUT we take marriage seriously and we want to make sure that you are properly prepared for it and that it lasts, as it should, for life.

Because we take it so seriously we would like you to meet up with Rev. Ian Thomas as soon as possible and in the weeks leading up to the date of the wedding. If you have been previously married please make this known when you first call Rev. Ian Thomas.

You will need to attend your local Register Office. If one party is living elsewhere you will need to visit your local office there as well. Your intention to marry must be registered no more than one year and no less than three weeks prior to the date of the wedding. The earlier you can get this dealt with the better. You will need to take with you both of your birth certificates (and any Decree Nisi if one or both parties have been married previously) and be prepared to pay the prescribed fee. [(Cardiff Registry Office = Notice of marriage: £33.50 per person (£67), Certificate of marriage: £3.50 and, attendance of Registrar at the Church: £80. Total:£150.50 based on 2011 prices) All fees have to be paid in advance. Ely Baptist will refund these fees to you with certain conditions to make a truly free wedding.]

The certificate must then be collected from the Registrar’s office not less than 21 days after you have registered, and then delivered (at least 2 weeks before marriage – preferably as soon as possible) to Rev. Ian Thomas, together with the details mentioned later on.

When you meet with him you will need, in due course, to provide the following:

· To confirm date and time of the wedding

· Both of your full names with evidence via Passport or Full Driving License

· Full names of both respective fathers and details of their occupations, whether retired or deceased

· Two witnesses who are British Citizens

· And other details such as best man, bridesmaids and ushers

During the meetings with the minister a plan for the order of service, music, hymns, readings and anyone you want to take part in such as praying or reading.

You will also need to decide if you need any other equipment, flowers and whether the reception will be held in the hall.

Now we charge the following (before we get to how it can be free of charge!)

· Use of the Church: £150

· The Minister: £125

· Hall Reception: £150

These fees need to be paid a minimum of 3 weeks before the wedding either by cheque or direct into the bank. At the same time notify whether any changes have occurred since the blue certificates of authority were issued by the Register Office, such as a change of address, or if either party has had a birthday since registration and before the date of the ceremony – if so their correct age on the wedding day. Rev. Ian Thomas will want to verify details with the Groom just before the ceremony.

If you need any other information you can contact Rev. Ian Thomas and he will be happy to help.

NOW: How to have your marriage ceremony free of charge!

If the following conditions are fulfilled we will be happy to arrange everything free of charge though our fees are very reasonable if the conditions cannot be fulfilled. We think that it will be beneficial for these conditions to be fulfilled for a happy marriage that also has a spiritual dimension to it.

· Prospective couples should attend a 4 week course with Rev. Ian Thomas (This is mandatory for ALL engaged couples)

· The prospective couple should meet up with the minister for the first time 6 months or more before the wedding (though this can be excepted but it is more beneficial)

· All fees are paid 2 months or more in advance

· Attendance at the Sunday services (and preferably Tuesday meetings) for the length of the engagement

· Attendance at the Sunday services (and preferably Tuesday meetings) for 6 months POST marriage

· On the above conditions the monies paid to the Registrar and to us will be refunded at the end of 6 months after marriage if the couple are still together.

· If a genuine Christian faith is demonstrated and that both come into membership with the church agreeing then no fees will be charged prior to the wedding. If you are already in membership there is nothing to pay for the ceremony or the use of the hall.