Town Hall Wedding: Can You Bring Guests?

If you're planning a town hall wedding, you're probably looking for a small, intimate ceremony that's easy to plan. While the specifics vary depending on location, there are some general guidelines to follow. First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license, which typically requires a government-issued ID and may involve a waiting period. Then, you'll need to book an appointment for your ceremony, as walk-ins are usually not allowed. On the big day, expect a short civil ceremony, often lasting under 10 minutes, with a limited number of guests—usually no more than 10 to 15 people, including witnesses. With a town hall wedding, you won't be able to choose your officiant, but they will be well-practiced in performing civil ceremonies. While there may be restrictions on decorations and music, you can still incorporate personal touches like flowers and a post-ceremony celebration.

How many guests can attend?

The number of guests that can attend a town hall wedding varies depending on the location. It is important to research the specific regulations of the city or county where the wedding will take place. In general, courthouse weddings usually have a limit of 10 to 15 guests, including the officiant, photographer, and immediate family members.

In New York City, for example, there are specific rules in place for weddings at City Hall. Only the couple and their witnesses are allowed in the room during the ceremony. This means that any additional guests would need to wait outside the room or in a separate area.

When planning a town hall wedding, it is advisable to reach out to potential guests in advance to determine their availability, especially if they need to travel. This is crucial given the small number of guests typically allowed and the potential difficulties in scheduling.

It is also important to check with the specific location if there are any restrictions on the number of people who can be in the building or room. There may be different rules for different areas of the courthouse, such as the waiting area, ceremony room, or any reception spaces.

Additionally, some locations may require all guests to arrive at the same time as the couple, so it is essential to communicate this information clearly to the guests.

Overall, while town hall weddings are more intimate affairs, it is still possible to have a small number of guests in attendance to share in the special day.

What are the costs?

The cost of a town hall wedding in the UK varies depending on the venue, day, and time you choose. The main cost involved in choosing to marry at a registry office is the room hire, but you will also need to factor in other costs such as giving notice, which is typically around £35-£50 per person, and the marriage certificate, which is usually around £4-£10.

The cost of hiring a room in a registry office starts from around £57 for a standard ceremony, but can go up to several hundred pounds depending on the location and day of the week. For example, in Bath, prices range from £200 for a weekday ceremony in the Guildhall's Russell Room to £490 for a Sunday or bank holiday in an approved premises. In Essex, a registrar for a religious building costs £97, community venues range from £209 to £349, and approved premises start at £576.

If you are marrying at a town hall or registry office, you will also need to pay for the registrar's attendance. This typically costs around £46, but can vary depending on the location and type of venue. For example, in Essex, a registrar for a religious building costs £97. You will also need to pay for any adjustments to your booking, which can cost around £25.

Before the wedding, both parties should visit their respective register offices and "give notice". This usually costs £35 per person but can be up to £47 per person if either partner is from outside the European Economic Area.

On the day of the wedding, you may also want to budget for things like flowers, a wedding cake, and a photographer. These costs can vary widely depending on your preferences and budget.

What documents do I need?

The documents you need for a town hall wedding will depend on where you are in the world. For example, in the UK, you will need to provide proof of your name, age and nationality (e.g. a valid passport, birth certificate or national identity card). If you have changed your name, you will need to bring proof of this, too. You will also need to provide proof of address (e.g. a valid driving licence, a recent utility bill or a bank statement).

In the US, the requirements differ from state to state. In New York, for example, you will need to bring a government-issued ID and proof of age. In Texas, you will need a state-issued ID or driver's license, certified copies of both birth certificates, your social security numbers, and divorce papers (if either party has been married before).

It is always best to check with your local registry office or county clerk to confirm which documents you will need to bring.

Can I choose my own vows?

Absolutely! Choosing your own vows is a great way to personalise your town hall wedding. While civil wedding ceremonies tend to be shorter and more casual than religious weddings, you should still devote some wedding planning time to your vows.

What to include in your vows

Your vows should include a statement that communicates that each of you is entering into matrimony with the other, as well as some basic promises about loving and caring for each other. You can also include religious elements if you wish.

> "I promise to be your honest, loving, and faithful husband/wife for the rest of my days."

> "You make me laugh, you make me think, and above all, you make me happy."

> "I promise to be there for you through your most stressful days and your most joyful moments. I promise to nurture the evolution of our relationship and our love. Most of all, I promise to continue being your best friend."

Practical considerations

Before writing your own vows, be sure to check with your local courthouse or city hall to see if non-traditional wedding vows are permitted. You should also talk to your civil wedding officiant well in advance of your wedding date. With enough notice, the facility may allow you to read your own vows in addition to the legal declarations that are required.

A template to follow

When writing your wedding vows, you could follow this template:

• Address your fiancé and note how you feel as you’re about to get married.
• Detail what you love about your fiancé and why you’re choosing to marry them.
• Communicate what you appreciate about your relationship and what makes it unique.
• Highlight your civil wedding ceremony vows by listing your promises or wishes for your marriage together.
• End your vows with one sentence that summarises how you feel.

Tips for writing your vows

• Start well in advance.
• Discuss your expectations with your partner.
• Jot down all of your thoughts about your partner and relationship.
• Write no more than three drafts.
• Only include the most important details.
• Avoid using absolute words like "always" and "never".
• Embrace sentimentality.
• Seek inspiration from pop culture.
• Make a fresh copy for the ceremony.
• Stash your vows in a safe place.

What should I wear?

When it comes to what to wear to a town hall wedding, there are no hard and fast rules. You can go as classic or non-traditional as you like with your outfit. However, it's important to remember that, generally speaking, all courthouse matters lend themselves to slightly dressy attire. This means no jeans or sneakers.

Most women opt for a "little white dress", or a white jumpsuit or pantsuit, while most men go for a jacket and slacks (tie optional). That being said, ultra-formal attire like tuxedos and ballgowns may be too much or look out of place at a town hall wedding. If you're a guest, follow the couple's lead, but be sure to ask them what they plan to wear so you can feel comfortable.

If you're the one getting married, you might want to consider choosing an outfit that reflects the significance of the day. A classic white dress is always a chic choice, or you could go for a fun pantsuit or tuxedo. You could also shop for a short white bridesmaid dress or cocktail dress, which may be more affordable.

Ultimately, it's best to wear whatever you feel good in. If you and your partner want to wear traditional wedding attire, go for it!

Frequently asked questions