Back to Ceremonies Home page
Registry Office /Civil Weddings
Facts
Unless there is a valid legal reason no Registrar can refuse to perform the marriage ceremony.
A Registrar has to have an Authority for the marriage to proceed, which has to be obtained by giving "Notice of the intent to Marry." (See below)Civil ceremonies have no religious ceremonials, elements or connections.
They are conducted by the Superintendent Registrar or his/her Deputy and are registered by the same.
The ceremony can take place between the hours of 8am and 6pm at a Registry office or venue that holds a civil licence.
Civil ceremonies take from 15 to 30 minutes on average.
A civil venue has to:- a) have a roof- b) moored to its foundations- c) licensed by the local Registrar
A Registrar has to attend at both registry office weddings and civil venue ceremonies.
You can marry at any Registry office or approved premises in England and Wales.From 1st January 2001 both parties have to give notice of Marriage in person in the district in which they live, even if both parties reside in the same district. (A fee is payable). Each person is required to declare his or her nationality. A copy of the notice will then be displayed on a Public Notice Board within the Registry Office. Provided that there are no legal objections the Authority for marriage will be issued after 15 days. It is valid for one year from the date of the notice.
What to do?
Make a booking with the Registrars office or civil venue for the date and time of your choice. (up to 12 months in advance)
Make an appointment with the Registrars office in the area in which you reside and give a Notice of Marriage.
You will need the following (Originals only- no copies are allowed.)
1) Birth Certificate.
2) Decree Absolute if previous marriages have ended in divorce.
3) Previous Marriage certificate and death certificate if widowed.
4) Any name change certificate-
5) Proof of residency- e.g. driving licence or utility bill.
6) Parental, Court or Guardians permission if aged 16 to 18.Registry office weddings:-
Book the wedding date.
Many couples marry in the nearest registry office but you can get married at an office closer to your reception venue.
You must contact the registry office at which you intend to marry.
You can have readings and music at the wedding but this request must be submitted to the registrar prior to the wedding, as you will need his/her approval.
Get a copy of the basic ceremony format and discuss with the registrar any changes/additions that you might like to make. Discuss parking, photography, confetti, flowers and guest numbers, as there might be a maximum allowable at the venue.Civil weddings:-
Choose the venue for the ceremony.
Check that the registrar is available on the day.
Book the venue
Book the registrar
You can have readings and music at the wedding but this request must be submitted to the registrar and the owners of the venue prior to the wedding, as you will need his/her approval.Get a copy of the basic ceremony format and discuss with the registrar and the owners of the venue and changes/additions that you might like to make. Discuss parking, photography, music, confetti and flowers and guest numbers as there might be a maximum allowable at the venue with interested parties.
The wedding day and the ceremony -(Registry office and Civil ceremonies):-
Prior to the ceremony the Registrar will check that the particulars of the Authority are correct.
He/she will need the natural father's name and occupation.
Fees need to be paid before the ceremony.
The Supervising registrar will explain the legal rules of marriage in England and Wales.
You will be asked to declare that you are both legally free to marry.
You will then exchange vows and rings if requested.
You will then sign and check the register.
Witnesses (two) will be required to sign. (Friends or Relatives)
All guests should arrive in good time for the ceremony.