|PIC1|Figures released this week reveal that more than 50 per cent of people planning to get married in church say that the vicar is just as important to the wedding as the setting of the church and the photos.

The report shows that 75 per cent of those opting for a church ceremony say that one of the main reasons for their choice is that they want a 'proper' wedding. They see church as a positive choice, and not 'just another venue'.

Surprisingly 60 per cent of those surveyed said that their church has a particular meaning for them or their fiancé.

The findings were released just weeks before the Church of England is set to host booths at the National Wedding Show at the Birmingham NEC and Olympia in London.

The research was conducted at the same event at Earl's Court and the NEC in October 2006.

The Church's booth at the National Wedding Shows in Spring 2007 will allow couples to speak to clergy about their wedding as well as married life.

The research shows that more than half of couples make the choice of a church wedding because of their own religious beliefs (56 per cent) or because of the 'spiritual or sacred ambience' of the venue (55 per cent).

The findings will challenge the perception that many couples turn to the Church primarily to please their parents: less than one in three indicate that their family's religion was a very important factor in their choice to hold their big day in a church or chapel.

This is the first time that the Church of England has commissioned professional research into the reasons that people opt for a church wedding. The study, carried out by Henley Centre HeadlightVision in conjunction with market researchers Farrugia Leo, involved nearly 1,800 respondents.

The statistics suggest that four out of ten of the weddings being planned by visitors to the shows were due to take place in church. Official Church of England figures indicate that 31 per cent of first weddings in England and Wales were conducted by the Anglican Church in 2003, the latest year with figures available.

Alex Campos, Marketing Manager for the National Wedding Show, believes the research results demonstrate that for many couples the church plays an important role in creating their perfect wedding: "Brides and grooms-to-be who visit the show have very definite ideas about what they feel are the vital elements which will make up the their wedding and for many the church is a core aspect. We are delighted to have the Church of England as an exhibitor at the National Wedding Show. The show is a great platform for them to offer advice and information to relevant couples planning their future together."

The Rev Lynda Barley, Head of Research and Statistics for the Church of England, adds: "These findings will be a pleasant surprise for those many clergy who make a real effort to make weddings special, but they also point towards wider trends in society. Our attendance statistics at Christmas and Easter, especially at cathedrals and landmark churches, suggest a yearning for authentic religious experience.

"Couples preparing to commit their lives to each other clearly value an environment and support network that is about far more than just being a 'venue'. The Church offers an open door before and after the wedding day itself - and this research shows that people appreciate that."