Planning A Civil Wedding: Uk Ceremony Basics

how to plan a civil wedding ceremony uk

Civil ceremonies are weddings performed by a government official called a registrar. Civil weddings are legally binding and do not include the religious elements of a church wedding. Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything that is religious. Civil ceremonies can take place at venues that have been approved to host civil marriages, such as country houses, barns, hotels and restaurants.

Characteristics Values
Type of ceremony Civil ceremony, performed by a government official called a registrar
Legal status Legally binding
Religious elements Must not include anything religious
Venue Can take place at venues approved to host civil marriages, including country houses, barns, hotels and restaurants
Flexibility Couples can personalise the proceedings with meaningful readings, music selections and decorations
Combination with other ceremonies Some couples may opt for a civil ceremony for legal purposes, followed by a separate religious or non-religious ceremony
Timing Can be done before or after the reception

shunbridal

Venues

Civil ceremonies can only take place at venues that have been approved to host civil marriages. There are plenty of unique wedding venues to choose from, including charming country houses, rustic barns, elegant hotels and cosy restaurants.

If you have your heart set on a reception venue that isn't licensed for ceremonies, you can still celebrate your special day at your dream location. You can register your marriage (do the legal ceremony bit) beforehand or after at your local registry office.

Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything religious, such as hymns or readings from the Bible or Torah. You can get a religious blessing of your marriage after a civil ceremony.

shunbridal

Costs

The costs of a civil wedding ceremony in the UK can vary depending on the venue and other factors. Civil ceremonies are performed by a government official called a registrar and can take place at approved venues such as country houses, barns, hotels, or restaurants. The cost of the ceremony will depend on the venue chosen, with some venues charging a premium for their services.

In addition to the venue cost, there may be other expenses to consider, such as the cost of the marriage license, which can vary depending on the local authority. Other potential costs include the fee for the registrar, which is typically paid directly to the local council, and any additional services or decorations desired for the ceremony.

It is important to note that civil ceremonies must not include any religious elements, such as hymns or readings from religious texts. However, couples can personalise the ceremony with meaningful readings, music selections, and decorations to make the day special and unique.

Overall, the costs of a civil wedding ceremony in the UK can vary widely depending on individual choices and preferences. It is essential to research and plan carefully to ensure the day stays within budget while still being memorable and enjoyable.

shunbridal

What happens on the day

On the day of your civil wedding ceremony, you and your partner will sign the marriage schedule or marriage document. You can include up to four parents on the form. Your signed marriage schedule or document is then sent to your local register office, where it is added to the marriage register. After that, you can get your marriage certificate.

Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but they must not include anything religious, such as hymns or readings from the Bible or Torah. You can get a religious blessing of your marriage after the civil ceremony.

Civil ceremonies are weddings performed by a government official called a registrar. It is a legal wedding, resulting in a legally binding document, which does not include the religious elements of a church wedding. Civil ceremonies offer the freedom and flexibility to personalise the proceedings with meaningful readings, music selections and decorations.

Civil ceremonies can take place at venues that have been approved to host civil marriages. There are plenty of unique wedding venues to choose from, including country houses, barns, hotels and restaurants. If your reception venue isn't licensed for ceremonies, you can still celebrate there by registering your marriage at your local registry office before or after.

shunbridal

Readings, songs and music

Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything that’s religious (for example hymns or readings from the Bible or the Torah). You can get a religious blessing of your marriage after a civil ceremony.

There are plenty of unique wedding venues to choose from. From charming country houses and rustic barns to elegant hotels and cosy restaurants, there is something to suit every couple's style. If you and your partner have your hearts set on a reception venue that isn't licensed for ceremonies, you can still celebrate your special day at your dream location, just register your marriage (aka, do the legal ceremony bit) beforehand (or after) at your local registry office.

You can include meaningful readings, music selections and decorations. You can personalise the proceedings to honour spiritual or cultural traditions.

shunbridal

Marriage certificates

Civil ceremonies are weddings performed by a government official called a registrar. It is a legal wedding, resulting in a legally binding document, which does not include the religious elements of a church wedding. Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything that is religious. If you want a religious blessing, you can have this after the civil ceremony.

After the ceremony, you and your partner will sign the marriage schedule or marriage document. You can include up to four parents on the form (for example, mothers, fathers or step-parents). Your signed marriage schedule or document is sent to your local register office where it is added to the marriage register. After that, you can get your marriage certificate.

Frequently asked questions

A civil wedding ceremony is a legal wedding performed by a government official called a registrar. It does not include religious elements.

In England and Wales, civil ceremonies can only take place at venues that have been approved to host civil marriages. There are plenty of unique wedding venues to choose from, including country houses, barns, hotels and restaurants. If your dream venue isn't licensed for ceremonies, you can still get married there by registering your marriage at your local registry office before or after the ceremony.

Civil ceremonies can include readings, songs or music, but they must not include anything religious. You and your partner will sign the marriage schedule or marriage document at the ceremony, which is then sent to your local register office and added to the marriage register. After that, you can get your marriage certificate.

Planning a civil ceremony gives you the freedom and flexibility to personalise the proceedings with meaningful readings, music selections and decorations. It's a quick and simple process that gets the legal stuff out of the way, so you can then head straight to your dream reception venue and kick off the real party.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment