Founder and leader of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has ignited widespread public debate after criticising what he described as a growing culture of extravagant weddings, urging couples to prioritise financial stability over elaborate ceremonies.

In a sermon that has since gone viral on social media, the Archbishop questioned why couples with limited financial capacity feel compelled to organise costly weddings, warning that such practices often plunge newly married couples into debt at the very start of their union.

“If the man cannot prove that at least he has GH¢100,000 in his bank account, he shouldn’t have a wedding,” he said.
“You don’t want to begin your marriage with debt. You go on honeymoon and the phone starts ringing, someone who supplied the chairs is calling, another who provided the drinks is asking for money.”

According to him, the financial pressure from unpaid wedding expenses can severely affect a couple’s ability to function effectively in marriage.

‘Marriage Is Not a Wedding’

Archbishop Duncan-Williams argued that the emphasis on white weddings, lavish receptions, and social display has distorted the true meaning of marriage, particularly among young people.

“Marriage is not a wedding. Those of you who give money to people who don’t have it to get married, if they don’t have money, they shouldn’t marry,” he said.
“Because marriage is not love. Love doesn’t buy provisions. Love doesn’t pay the bills.”

He stressed that while love and commitment are important, they must be supported by financial responsibility to ensure stability in marriage.

Call for Simpler Church Ceremonies

Although firm in his criticism, the Archbishop clarified that he was not opposed to marriage or to supporting couples who wish to marry. Instead, he proposed a return to simple, church-based ceremonies that focus on commitment rather than celebration.

“We need to have about five or ten couples on a Sunday morning on the altar here. Everybody brings their rings. No best man, no maid of honour, no bridesmaid, nothing,” he said.
“We just pronounce the blessing of God. Go home. Make love. Make babies. Live your life.”

Questioning Wedding Receptions

Archbishop Duncan-Williams further questioned the necessity of wedding receptions, arguing that couples often overspend to entertain guests who later offer criticism rather than support.

“Why do you have to bring people to come and eat and drink your food for free, and then after they insult you? Why do you give people the opportunity to insult you?” he asked.

Public Reactions

The Archbishop’s comments have triggered intense discussion online, with many supporters praising him for addressing the financial realities of marriage and challenging societal pressure around weddings.

However, critics argue that his remarks are overly rigid and fail to reflect social and cultural expectations surrounding marriage celebrations.

Despite the mixed reactions, the sermon has reignited national conversation on the cost of weddings, financial preparedness, and the true meaning of marriage in modern Ghanaian society.