A vicar who got fed up of brides turning up late to their own weddings has imposed a £100 fine for those who can not stick to their allotted time slot.

Canon John Corbyn has imposed the charge to couples who arrive more than 20 minutes late to their service at Holy Cross Church in Bearsted, Kent.

The fee, which is built into the cost of the ceremony, is then handed back to the couples in a cheque along with their marriage certificate if they successfully make it to church on time.

The Canon has also implemented the system at nearby St Mary’s Church. So far he is yet to fine anyone. He said: “I'm not calling it a fine, but if you want to hire the venue for one hour or two hours, you pay different amounts.


"The money goes to the 20 or so volunteers who give up their time to assist at a wedding, including the verger, organist, choir and bell ringers.

"These people give an hour or so out of their day -