Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has ignited widespread conversation after strongly discouraging extravagant weddings, insisting that “wedding is not marriage.”
In a video sighted by Ghana Weekend on Monday January 12, the outspoken cleric argued that many couples begin married life burdened by unnecessary debt because of costly wedding ceremonies.
According to Archbishop Duncan-Williams, a man who cannot show at least GH¢100,000 in his bank account should not organise a wedding ceremony. He stressed that marriage should not start with financial pressure, warning that debts from wedding expenses often follow couples even into their honeymoon.
“You go for honeymoon and the phone starts ringing. It’s the woman who brought the chairs, the one who supplied the drinks, all asking for their money,” he said.
The Archbishop criticised the culture of lavish receptions, white weddings, and social expectations that push couples, especially men into spending beyond their means.
“Marriage is not love. Love doesn’t pay bills. Love doesn’t buy provision,” he stated, adding that weddings are a liability for people still trying to build wealth, not an asset.
He also questioned the need for receptions, asking why couples should spend money feeding guests only to be criticised afterward.
“Why do you have to bring people to come and eat and drink your food for free, then they insult you that the food wasn’t enough?” he asked.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams proposed a simpler alternative: church-blessed marriages without the fanfare.
“Come Sunday morning. No best man, no maid of honour, no bridesmaids. Bring the ring, say ‘I do,’ receive the blessing, go home, make babies, live your life,” he said.
He further advised single women to stop pressuring men into weddings, noting that what truly matters is having a responsible husband, not a white gown.
“What you want is not the white dress. You want a man. You want a husband,” he emphasised.
While acknowledging that weddings are acceptable for those who can genuinely afford them, the Archbishop maintained that many people prioritise ceremonies over financial stability, calling it a dangerous mindset.
“Some of you don’t even have money to rent a one-bedroom apartment, yet you want a wedding. What is wrong with you?” he asked.
His comments have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some praising his practical approach to marriage, while others argue that the GH¢100,000 benchmark is unrealistic for many young couples.
Nevertheless, Archbishop Duncan-Williams’ message remains clear: marriage matters more than the wedding, and financial wisdom should come before celebration.
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