A Church of England study has shown that Cumbria is experiencing a surge in couples wishing to get married in church.

The Reverend Nick Devenish, the vicar at Cartmel Priory said:

"I am delighted to say that Cartmel Priory echoes these figures published in the study. We are already completely booked up for weddings in 2016 and weekends are beginning to fill up for 2017 too."

The figures come from the Church of England’s 'Statistics for Mission 2014' paper, which was published in January 2016. They show that there were an extra 60 church weddings across Cumbria and a year on year increase of nearly eight per cent.

Figures for the Diocese of Carlisle, which represents the Church of England in Cumbria, reveal there were a total of 830 church weddings last year, which is the highest figure recorded in the last six years.

Mr Devenish, who was involved in the controversial reality TV show 'Marriage at First Sight' last summer, said:

"I think it is wonderful that people are looking at the serious nature of marriage through a more spiritual dimension and committing to each other in church. 

"My own view is that marriage is the most incredible thing in the world and that is why I got involved in the Channel 4 reality show. It was brilliant to help people find love and to engage in the institution of marriage."

The increase in church weddings is somewhat at odds with the dwindling amount of regular church-goers. The survey, which was carried out over four weeks in October 2014, also reveals that the average number of adults attending church each week has fallen throughout England. However, at Cartmel Priory, the innovative Mr Devenish has come up with ways in which to diversify and attract more people in to the church. He said:

"Although we don't get as many people attending Sunday services we get more visitors and pilgrims than ever throughout the week. These people are just embracing the church in a different way and this is still a very positive thing."

The South Lakeland Parish of Cartmel has seen such an increase, that couples will need to reserve their weekend well in advance. Mr Devenish said: "With all the extra bookings we are finding it difficult to fit everybody in. Thankfully most couples are looking at an 18 month time frame, so we are able to find them a suitable date. It really is one of the finest churches in the north of England and a beautiful setting for a weekend wedding."

The new figures are encouraging for the Church of England in Cumbria. The Bishop of Penrith the Rt Reverend Robert Freeman said:

“Weddings are an important part of the life of a church and it is great to be able to acknowledge that so many couples feel it is important that they commit to each other in church before their witnesses and God.”

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