REGARDING the story on Church weddings in decline (Oxford Mail, January 6): while the statistics may report a decline in church weddings, almost half of the weddings in Oxfordshire take place in churches and we warmly encourage couples to use our beautiful, historic buildings for their special day.

Many of our priests are seeing their Saturdays booked up with weddings throughout the summer months. The story fails to mention that the Rev Ginny Thomas, from Great Tew, has seen an increase in weddings in her three years as priest there. As with many rural venues, this is because couples want to get married in a scenic venue, and there is a beautiful reception venue nearby.

We know that people, regardless of their faith background, still want to marry in a church. People are still positive about saying their vows in a sacred place where couples have done the same before them for hundreds of years.

There are many myths about the rules about church weddings, but if you contact your local vicar you should receive a warm welcome from someone who is more than willing to answer your questions and help you plan the day of your dreams.

For a helpful blog on getting married in church see www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/comment-and-features/marrying-church

JO DUCKLES

Editor and Press and Media Officer

The Diocese of Oxford