I READ with interest your article the rising cost of weddings ("Spiralling cost of the bug day putting hole in our pockets", The Herald, April 18).
The enormous cost of weddings is no surprise, and given the publicity surrounding Andy Murray's recent wedding, many couples are likely to want something similar.
Your article mentioned the large number of humanist celebrants charging nearly £400, not counting time for a rehearsal and travel costs. Readers may not realise that Church of Scotland ministers like myself conduct weddings (and funerals) for no fee whatsoever as part of our calling to serve in a parish.
Church buildings are normally available for ceremonies for a modest cost to cover heating and so on plus a fee for an organist and we are happy to spend time with the couple beforehand to get to know their hopes and ideas. We do not charge for rehearsals.
The bride and groom may plan to spend whatever they like on clothes, reception or honeymoon but they do not need to pay anything for a minister.
Rev Catherine Collins,
Broughty Ferry New Kirk,
25 Ballinard Gardens,
Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
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