Genealogy Chat

I have a few marriages just before or just after Christmas. I imagine it was useful to do this when you had your family all gathered together for perhaps the only time in a year. My great-grandparents married on New Year's Day which was very tidy of them. nell

My mum and dad married on Christmas day, it was so foggy no photos could be taken (1930s) had to have one later therefore only one photo exists. Never thought to ask her why Christmas day, will do so now when I see her Monday. Carol

Does that mean baptisms were free too - on xmas day? I have a lot of rellies who where baptised then - as well as loads marrying xmas day.

As previous replies say, many Churches (particularly Cathedrals) did not charge on Xmas Day. Manchester Cathedral in particular, went in for batch marriages - the couples literally queued up, one behind the other. Over 200 couples were married on Xmas Day 1860 in Manchester Cathedral. Marjorie.

Very many of my ancestors married on Dec 25th. I believe it was the only paid day's holiday they had then, so it was a popular time!

My G.G.grandparents married on Xmas day. Their daughter was born on the 11th (2 weeks earlier) Not sure I'd have been up to a wedding so soon after giving birth!

My parents married on xmas day. According to my mum it could not be done in a c.o.e. church.

Thank you all for the information, Eileen

Hi Eileen. My nan and grandad were married on a boxing day. Well I suppose there was nothing else to do was there, there wasnt exactly any sales on in the shops then were there. Yvonne x

I think i remember reading somewhere about christmas day was the only day of the year that a couple can marry free of charge. jess

Hi, I have many of my Ancestors marriage date 25 december, was this a popular time, or a coincidence? Regards Eileen