Introduction to Parochial Fees
Weddings, funerals, burials and baptisms are all services to serve the people of God in the local community. These services are an opportunity to share in celebration and can give comfort to those whom enter the church, which provides the love of God for all his people. Fees play a part in helping those whom assist in these services to participate in an active role and as such the Diocese is grateful for the support given by those who in turn support their local parish.
Fees are payable for Weddings, funerals and burials and are set annually by the Church of England. There are two parts to the fee, one part is due to the local parish (PCC) and the other due to the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). These monies go to help fund local parish ministry.
The key information guide to fees can be found at Guide to Church of England Parochial Fees and this is updated regularly by the Church of England. A listing of fees can be found on the Table of Parochial Fees which is updated annually.
Weddings
For weddings in a church, the fee will need to be collected by the parish and a breakdown of what the couple are being charged for will need be supplied. Please complete the Quarterly Return of Parochial Fees form and return this to the Diocesan Office, with the fees owed to the Diocese.
Burials, Funerals in church, a churchyard or cemetery or crematorium
For every burial or funeral in a church, churchyard, cemetery or crematorium there a fee to pay, please complete the Quarterly Return of Parochial Fees form and return this to the Diocesan Office, along with the fees owed to the Diocese.
Monuments in churchyards
For every monument or additional inscription, a small fee is payable to the Diocese, please complete the Quarterly Return of Parochial Fees form and return this to the Diocesan Office, along with fees owed to the Diocese.
Reservation of a grave space in a churchyard
All information relating to the process of reserving a gravespace can be found here, for the associated fees click here
Payment of Parochial Fees
Payment of Diocesan fees are due every quarter and can be either paid by cheque made out to Peterborough Diocesan Board of Finance (PDBF) or by online banking. Details are:
Barclays
The Peterborough Diocesan Board of Finance (PDBF)
20-67-45
20713619
When making payment by online banking please state on the reference fees for your parish.
Please complete the Quarterly Return of Parochial Fees form and return this with the cheque (if applicable) to
The Diocese of Peterborough, The Diocesan Office, Finance Department, The Palace, Peterborough, PE1 1YB.
Other Useful Information
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If a parish does not have any Weddings or funerals for a quarter, please can you inform the Finance Office of the Quarterly Return of Parochial Fees form of a ‘nil return’ or e-mail to the Finance Office.
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Where a retired priest with Permission to Officiate (PTO) is taking the service the fee payable is 80% of the DBF fee and the Diocese receive the 20%.
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Some parishes require a more detailed account of services taken, please find Analysis of Fees.
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If a parish is in interregnum, please contact the Finance Office for a service form for reimbursement.
Please find below other useful links
Peterborough Diocesan Guide to Fees (PDF)
Stipend, fees and mileage rates (PDF)
Any queries please contact the Finance Office or e-mail Lisa Allan.