Marriages

Stages of the Ceremony

The marriage will be conducted by a Registration Officer, who will introduce you to the various parts of the ceremony, explain what is happening, and advise when photographs may be taken. A Registration Officer will check all your details (and take the fee prior to your marriage), and then enter the information in the register and issue the marriage certificate.

At the beginning of the ceremony, you are reminded of the solemn and binding character of the vows you are to make.

You will each be asked to repeat the declaratory and contracting words of marriage.

Declaratory words

Then the giving and receiving of a ring(s) if desired.

Contracting words

Please Note: You will need to inform us of your choice of words before the day of your wedding, otherwise we will assume that you would like the 'traditional words' numbers 1. and 1.

Additional words

In addition, the following words may be included in your marriage ceremony ...

4.  "I give/receive this ring as a token of our marriage."  And "to be loving, faithful and loyal to thee, in living our married life together."

Having made your marriage vows to each other in the presence of your witnesses (and guests), you become Husband and Wife.

When the registration of your marriage is complete, you must check the particulars recorded in the register, and both you and your witnesses will be asked to sign the register (the bride signing in the name by which she was known at the time of the ceremony).

After the Registration Officer and Registration Assistant have signed the register you will be given a marriage certificate.  A short period of time will then be allowed for photographs to be taken in the marriage room.

If you are having a ceremony in an Approved Premise you may also include readings as part of your ceremony.

Arrangements for the Day

It is worth keeping in mind that, in a civil ceremony in the presence of a Registration Officer, the actual ceremony cannot, by law, contain any religious aspects.

Flowers:  some Premises have flowers provided, but you will need to check this with your chosen venue. The Register Office also provides a floral service, please contact us for more information.

Music: you can provide your own music, but be aware that as it is a civil ceremony, any music chosen should be strictly secular, so no hymns or religious anthems, even some classical pieces generally associated with weddings may be restricted due to religious references.  If in doubt, ask at the venue, or check with the Register Office.

Guests:  always check how many guests will be accommodated in comfort at your chosen venue.  For instance, the Register Office is provided for 24 guests, but there is good disabled access available.

Arrival: you will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your ceremony, as you will be interviewed by the Registration Officer prior to the ceremony.

Witnesses: by law you are required to be accompanied by two credible witnesses to sign the register and be present throughout the ceremony.  They can be relations or friends, so long as they are over the age of 16 and able to understand English.