There are many reasons couples choose not to get married now (or ever). One of those reasons is that weddings are notoriously expensive. Even couples not interested in a WeTV “Platinum Weddings”-worthy shindig still find themselves shelling out an extraordinary amount of money. Brides magazine reports that the average couple spends nearly $27,000 on their big day.

Now, one Ohio church is attempting to do away with that obstacle by offering free wedding ceremonies.

The catch? Couples must be living together already.

Called “The Love Gift,” Cathedral of Life Church in Canton, Ohio is making this year’s “Sweetest Day,” which falls on October 20th, the wedding day for up to 15 cohabiting couples.

According to their website:

Cathedral of Life decided to get involved because we care about the marriage act and we love people. It’s simple, we want to tell people that we’re for them and remove any financial barriers that stand in the way of them leading a fulfilling life according to God’s purposes.

The Love Gift got its name because we want to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Cathedral of Life Church decided to host this event because we believe in marriage and we believe in God’s vision of family. We wanted to be a blessing in the lives of the couples who participate and show the love of God through this act of service.

The “free wedding” includes, pre-marriage counseling, minister service, a floral package, a photographer, and a light reception. Couples don’t have to be members (or Christians!) to take advantage of the offer. However, they must be residents of the town where the church is located.

(Source: uptownmagazine.com)