Recession-hit couples who had to cancel their wedding plans have something cheer after a UK church is offering the cash-strapped lovebirds a virtually free wedding and outfits for the bride, bridesmaids, bridegroom and mother of the bride.

The high cost of weddings around 2500 pounds upward have dissuaded couples from tying the knot in the current economic scenario.

But one church, St Hild and St Helen's, in Dawdon, County Durham, has come up with the perfect solution it is offering the couples an almost free wedding with outfits as add-ons for the bride, bridesmaids, bridegroom and mother of the bride, Daily Mail reported.

The only condition is that couples should take four pre-marital lessons before the big day - with a 50 fee payable to the registrar.

Pastor David Taylor, a former pitman who worked down the mines for a total of 20 years, said: 'People really want to get married, but at this time there's a credit crunch.

"I think those who have taken up the offer think it's a novel idea. They wanted to know more because it's free and they've been looking for a church for a time.

"They really want to be married and be together, and that's as it should be. It will be a typical Christian ceremony."

Many of the clothes and accessories have been donated by members of the public.