"Why a civil wedding?"
-Because you have no fixed religious beliefs.
-It might be your second or third marriage.
-Other reasons.
"Why a Church Wedding?"
-Because you do have fixed religious beliefs.
-You have permission to marry in a church even though it is not your first wedding.
QUICK GUIIDE TO LEGAL AND RELIGIOUS REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDINGS IN THE UNITED KINGDOMFor a more complete description of each of the different worlds wedding ceremonies select a link above
GENERAL RULES
Must be 16.
Under 18's require parental consent.
Marriage must take place in legally recognized premises.
a) Registry office
b) Church of any denomination.
c) Licensed Venue.
In the presence of a registrar or authorized person.
Marriages can only take place between 8am and 6pm.
Two witnesses must be present.
Persons must be free and eligible to marry.CIVIL WEDDINGS
1- Both persons must give notice to the local superintendent registrar. Proof of age, name, marital status and nationality will be required before you can be issued with a certificate of common licence.
2- Make a booking with the registry office for your chosen day.
3- You must have been resident in the UK for at least 7 days before you visit the registrar.
4- Weddings cannot be booked less than 17 days in advance.
5- Weddings cannot be booked more than 12 months in advance.
6- Two witnesses required.CHURCH OF ENGLAND
The Church of England has revoked its ban on remarriage of divorcees when there is a living partner. However the final decision still rests with the minister.1- If you live in the parish you can get married in the parish church. This also applies if you live in another parish.
2- If you do not live in the parish in which you wish to marry you must at least be on the electoral register.
3- If neither partner live in the parish you will need a special licence (£125) and you must have lived in the area for at least 15 days.PLEASE NOTE; it is at the discretion of the church minister whether you will be able to marry in the church of your choice, if you do not actually live in the parish- particularly if he feels that you do not intend to go to his church in the future.
4- The marriage is authorized by
a) 'CALLING THE BANNS' on three consecutive Sundays three months before the wedding.
b) Getting a common licence.CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Church of Scotland ministers also have final say as to whether they will perform a remarriage service.1- Ceremonies can take place almost anywhere so long as the minister is in agreement. The venue must also have an address.
2- There are no residency requirements.
3- Banns are not a requirement in Scotland but 15 days notice must be given at a registry office.JEWISH WEDDINGS
Jewish weddings are both religious and civil.
Applications need to be made to the local registrar and also to the local religious authority.
Marriages are conducted under a canopy called a CHUPPAH.
Widows and widowers can remarry in a synagogue.1- Weddings can take place on any day of the week except Saturdays.
2- Weddings generally take place in a synagogue. But other venues are often acceptable.
3- Applications must be made to the local registry office for licences.
4- A visit to the local religious leaders.ROMAN CATHOLIC WEDDINGS
Remarriages can only take place if the partner of the first marriage is deceased or if the marriage was annulled
Arrange a meeting with priest six months before the wedding day.1- If you and your partner have been baptized and or confirmed then take your certificates.
2- If one of you have not been baptized the priest will need to give his permission for you to marry in his church.
3- You might have to attend church for at least six Sundays before the wedding date.
4- The priest might ask that the bride and groom attend marriage preparation meetings.
5- Because Roman Catholicism is not the state religion in England and Wales you will have to see the superintendent Registrar in your area and get a licence to marry.MARRIAGE ABROAD
The simplest way to marry abroad is to seek the advice of a tour operator or organizer with experience in foreign marriages.
Remember plan well in advance.
Companies that offer weddings abroad will need copies of official documents 10 to 12 weeks before departure.
Seek advice on which documents are required for the country in which you plan to marry.
Find out whether your wedding will be legal in the country in which you get married, because the legal requirements for marriage abroad vary from country to country so make sure you investigate fully. For example: In Barbados you can arrange a religious wedding where as in the Maldives you can only have a marriage blessing.HUMANIST WEDDINGS
These are not recognized in law and therefore can only take place after a civil or religious ceremony. Couples normally script their weddings. The weddings can be held anywhere.
PLEASE SELECT A LINK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE, FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF EACH WEDDINGS RULESTop Of Page
