Different faiths in each country have different rules on who can get married in their churches, so you must make an appointment to meet with the religious leader of that faith to discuss their requirements.

USA

Religious ceremonies must be conducted under the customs of the particular religion by an official of that faith, such as a priest, minister or rabbi.

If you want a religious wedding ceremony out of doors, check very carefully before planning it. Most dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church have a regulation that requires that the bishop’s permission is needed for a wedding outside a church building.

Similarly, ministers of the Episcopalian Church will perform a wedding ceremony outside but, if you are taking the Eucharist, the ceremony must be carried out inside a church building. Episcopalian ceremonies must use the marriage service from the Book of Common Prayer.

UK

In England and Wales, you must first check that your chosen church is registered for “the solemnization of marriage”. Most Anglican churches are, but there are some non-conformist churches that are not. It does not mean that you cannot get married in them, simply that you will also need a Registrar present. A Roman Catholic Church will require a license from the Registrar of your district.

Anglican Church

Before you can get married, you must have the Banns read in the parishes where you both live (and in the parish in which you are getting married, if this is somewhere different). The Banns are an announcement of your intention to wed and they give people the opportunity to object if they so wish. They have to be read for three Sundays in the three months before your wedding date. These are usually consecutive but do not have to be. Instead of Banns, you can apply for a common license but you will need to discuss this with the minister.

If you want a religious ceremony in Scotland, it can take place anywhere you choose, providing the minister is happy with your choice of venue. This means that you could have an outdoor wedding (weather and midges permitting!). Unlike in England, the banns are not published, though you will have to apply for a license no later than 15 days before the wedding.

Canada and Australia

The rules are very similar to the UK, but Banns are not necessarily read. Wherever you live, you will need to make an appointment to meet with your minister or priest.

First meeting

Many churches will ask you to attend marriage preparation sessions. Some may ask you to attend services on a regular basis. The vicar might well discuss the form of service you want to use, e.g. the traditional or modern service.

The minister will also discuss the fees you will need to pay. The standard fee will cover the publication of the banns, the marriage service and the certificate of marriage. There might well be other expenses, such as the choir, bells, etc.

In a queue

Ask how many other weddings might be taking place on your chosen date. Popular churches get very busy, especially in the summer season, and can have up to five or six weddings on the same day, allowing only one and a quarter hours for each. This is usually adequate, but you will need to tell your photographer so that he/she can make allowances and possibly arrange a second venue for photos.

If music be the food of love

Hymns are a very important part of the church service and most vicars will have a list of the most popular choices. However, you might want to choose some that are special to you. This is great, and will make the sen/ice more personal to you, providing the rest of the congregation know them, too. Imagine a large church with the organ playing and only one or two people trying to sing along with an unknown hymn. Sometimes traditional ways are best! Grand entrance

If you decide against the traditional wedding marches to walk down the aisle, make sure the organist knows the music you want played. Don’t end up like the couple who requested the very romantic love song from “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” (Everything I Do by Bryan Adams) but actually left the church to “Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Riding through the Glen”.

Choir

Most churches have a choir and there will be a charge for it to sing at your wedding. This might be a set fee, or a fee per choir member. If this is the case, ask how many choir members are expected to attend, so that you know how much you are likely to pay.

Recording the moment

When you first meet your minister, one of the questions you need to ask is about photography. Some churches will not allow photography, while the ceremony is taking place. If this is the case, you will need to make this clear to your photographer/video recordist.

Flowers

A church always looks beautiful when it is decorated with flowers for your wedding. If there are any other weddings taking place on the same day as yours, it might be possible to share the cost of the flowers with the other couple(s).

Although your florist will supply arrangements for the church, you might find that the person who normally arranges the flowers for regular church services is willing to do them. They are often very skilled and will know what sizes and shapes suit each part of the church. This usually works out a lot cheaper as well.

You might be limited to the color and choice of flowers at certain times of the religious calendar. Again, check this well before the actual day.

Practice make perfect

Most churches will offer you the chance to have a rehearsal a couple of days before the wedding day. Take advantage of this, so that everyone knows what they have to do on the day. Usually, the rehearsal will be for the couple, their parents, bridesmaids and best man. If the ushers have never been to the particular church before, it is a good idea if they go, too, so that they can see where everyone will be seated.
The Master Wedding Planning Guide

Fuente: guidewhois.com