Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has urged young men preparing for marriage to resist the pressure of organising extravagant weddings that could leave them financially burdened.
He argued that society has placed too much importance on weddings, causing many to forget that a ceremony is not the same as marriage. Because of this, he believes churches should discourage weddings unless the groom can prove he is financially ready, suggesting GH¢100,000 as the minimum requirement.
“If the man cannot prove that he has at least GH¢100,000 in his bank account, he shouldn’t have a wedding,” he emphasised.
According to him, many couples begin marriage already struggling with debt because they host ceremonies beyond their means.
“You don’t want to begin your marriage with debt,” he cautioned, noting that some newlyweds receive calls from vendors demanding payment even during their honeymoon.
He cited cases where chair suppliers, drink vendors, and other service providers contact couples immediately after the event to request outstanding fees, describing this as clear evidence of financial unpreparedness.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also criticised the rising obsession with luxurious white weddings and advised single women not to pressure men into celebrations they cannot afford.
“Marriage is not a wedding,” he stressed, adding that affection alone cannot sustain a household.
“Love doesn’t pay the bills. Love doesn’t buy provisions.”
As a practical option, he recommended simple church blessings without bridesmaids, best men, or receptions, saying this would allow couples to focus on building their future rather than spending heavily on a one-day event.
He added that weddings can be a liability for people still finding their financial footing, arguing that such expenses only make sense for those who are already well-resourced.
“Some of you don’t even have money to rent a one-bedroom apartment, yet you want a wedding,” he remarked.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his call for financial discipline while others argue that the GH¢100,000 benchmark is unrealistic in the current economic climate.
