Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has criticised the growing culture of extravagant weddings, urging couples to prioritise financial readiness and avoid starting marriage in debt.

The founder and leader of Action Chapel International made the comments in a sermon that has since gone viral on social media.

He questioned why couples with limited means feel pressured to organise costly weddings, warning that such practices often push newly married couples into financial difficulty at the very start of their union.

“If the man cannot prove that he has at least GH¢100,000 in his bank account, he shouldn’t have a wedding,” he said. “You don’t want to begin your marriage with debt.

You go on honeymoon and the phone starts ringing. Someone who supplied the chairs is calling, and another who provided the drinks is asking for money. Before you realise it, your ability to function is gone.”

Archbishop Duncan-Williams argued that the emphasis on white weddings and lavish receptions has distorted the true meaning of marriage, particularly among young people.

“Marriage is not a wedding. Those of you who give money to people who don’t have it to get married if they don’t have money, they shouldn’t marry. Because marriage is not love. Love doesn’t buy provisions; love doesn’t pay the bills,” he told his congregation.

While making it clear that he was not opposed to marriage or to supporting couples, the Archbishop proposed a return to simpler, church-based ceremonies that focus on commitment rather than celebration.

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t help people who want to marry, we need to have about five or ten couples on a Sunday morning on the altar here.”

Everybody brings their rings. No best man, no maid of honour, no bridesmaids — nothing.

“We just pronounce the blessing of God. Go home. Make love. Make babies. Live your life,” he said.

He also questioned the necessity of wedding receptions, suggesting that couples often spend beyond their means to entertain guests who later criticise them rather than support their marriage.

“Why do you have to bring people to come and eat and drink your food for free, and then afterwards they insult you? Why do you give people the opportunity to insult you? Don’t give them anything,” he added.

The remarks have sparked widespread debate online, with supporters applauding the archbishop for highlighting the financial realities of marriage, while others argue that his comments are overly rigid and out of touch with social expectations.