Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry, has cautioned men against soliciting funds to finance extravagant wedding ceremonies, describing the practice as irresponsible and indicative of poor preparation for marriage. He emphasised that marriage is a lifelong commitment that should be entered into only by men who are financially and emotionally ready to assume its responsibilities, rather than depending on relatives and friends to underwrite wedding costs.
In an interview on TV3’s New Day on Friday, January 23, 2026, Archbishop Duncan-Williams questioned the rationale of men seeking financial support for weddings, asking how such individuals would be able to provide for a wife and future family afterwards. He stressed that love alone cannot sustain a marriage, insisting that responsibility must serve as the foundation of any lasting union.
“It is still wrong because you are still not a man. You are not responsible. How are you going to take care of the woman after the marriage? Are you still going to go to all these friends and family to be asking for money when she gets pregnant and she’s throwing up, and she goes to hospital, who pays the bills are you going to go back to your family?” he asked.
He added that depending on others for wedding expenses was a clear indication that a man was not ready to marry. “You are not responsible, you are not ready. So it is not just about you loving the person, you have to be responsible,” he stated.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also criticised the culture of extended families and relatives frequently contributing towards wedding costs, arguing that such practices were doing more harm than good, especially to young people.
He argued that the practice of constantly providing financial support for weddings undermines discipline and personal sacrifice, while failing to instill accountability in couples preparing for marriage. “This mentality in our society of ‘let’s help them’ does a disservice to future generations, making them irresponsible. They must take responsibility—save for the child to come, the pregnancy, the school fees, and more,” he emphasised.
The Archbishop further urged families and society to guide young men toward responsible planning for marriage and family life, rather than encouraging lavish ceremonies that leave couples burdened with financial strain from the very beginning
Source: GraphicOnline
