Wedding bells rang less often in 2023

Apart from during the pandemic, the 259 weddings last year were fewer than any other year in the last 10.

That was more than 50 down from 312 in 2022.

Celebrant and founder of White Dove Ceremonies Jayne White said that the drop in 2023 was likely down to 2022 picking up more delayed weddings due to the Covid pandemic, as well as increased financial struggles due to the rising cost of living.

However, she said that from her own experience over the last year, she had not noticed much of a change.

‘There’s not been a great difference in the average number, I don’t think. Couples still want the wedding that they have been dreaming of, and we have done a wide range of weddings this year, from a few people attending to hundreds,’ she said.

‘Ultimately celebrants are only a small part of the whole day so couples may have been cutting back on things like food and drink if finances have been a bit more of an issue.’

The Rev. Mark Charmley, who is rector of both St Saviour’s and Torteval churches, said he had conducted seven weddings last year – three at St Saviour’s, two at Torteval, and one each at Ste Apolline’s Chapel and Castle Cornet.

‘The numbers weren’t too bad last year, but this year is quieter so far as I only have three booked in,’ he said.

‘We might pick up one or two over the course of the year, but it looks as though this year will be lower.’

He said that, from his experience, people had not seemed to have scaled their main wedding service back, and so may have decided to cut costs in other areas.

‘They may have reduced their reception sizes for example, people have a reason to come to church, mostly due to a familial link.’

One couple who tied the knot last year was James and Jessica Rihoy, the new owners of Castel Farm Eggs.

Mrs Rihoy said that, following her husband’s proposal in January last year, their wedding plans had come together quickly.

‘We got married at St Saviour’s church in December and had a reception at the farm afterwards, we both wanted a Christmas wedding and didn’t want a long engagement.’

‘It was quite personal and traditional as it was my local church and the vicar knew us well.’

Wedding numbers for the last 10 years

2023: 259

2022: 312

2021: 260

2020: 164

2019: 244

2018: 313

2017: 318

2016: 282

2015: 316

2014: 316

2013: 306