The couple had chosen a date, booked the venue and told the family. Then the parish priest pointed out that the date fell in Lent. Many couples in Ghana and Nigeria marry in church, and the church calendar can affect when, and how, a wedding can take place. Knowing the seasons and your church’s rules early saves surprises.
Lent, Advent and Easter
Lent is the period of about six weeks before Easter, a season of fasting and reflection. Some churches, especially Catholic and Anglican congregations, discourage weddings during Lent or ask couples to keep celebrations simple. Advent, the four weeks before Christmas, is another season of preparation. Some churches discourage weddings or restrict decorations. The Easter season after Lent is popular for weddings, as families are often on holiday.
Christmas, church rules and banns
The period after Christmas is busy with weddings, especially in December in Ghana and Nigeria. Rules differ between denominations and even between parishes. Pentecostal churches may have fewer restrictions. Speak to your pastor or priest before setting a date. They can explain the calendar and requirements. Many churches require counselling sessions over several weeks, which affects timing.
Some churches announce the upcoming marriage, known as banns, for several weeks before the wedding. Some couples choose dates with religious meaning, while others avoid major feast days when churches are busy.
Guests, Muslim couples and weekdays
Consider guests’ travel during holidays and school terms. Muslim couples may avoid Ramadan for celebrations and often choose dates around the Eid holidays. Book the church before the reception venue, since church dates are often harder to change. Have one or two backup dates in mind. Some couples choose weekday weddings to avoid crowded church calendars and reduce costs. Churches may have more flexibility on weekdays, and venues often charge less, though guests may need to take time off work.
Seasons and writing it down
In Ghana and Nigeria, the dry season from November to March is popular for weddings because rain is less likely. The rainy season can bring heavy downpours that affect outdoor events and travel. Once the church confirms the date, ask for written confirmation and keep it with your planning documents. The church calendar has guided weddings for centuries. A conversation with your pastor before you book anything else can save months of rearranging.
