A Quick Guide to Civil Weddings
Civil weddings can either take place at a register office or in a building approved by the local authority.
Residential qualifications for civil weddings
The Marriage Act of 1994 affected England and Wales and gave greater choice and flexibility to couples wishing to have a civil wedding. There are no longer residence restrictions so you can marry at the register office or in a building licensed for civil weddings in any area of your choice. However, you still need to give Notice of Marriage at your local register office(s). (See our article on the legal requirements of marriage).
Register Office Weddings
Register office weddings last approximately half an hour, but you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. You will be able to choose music, have readings and personalise your vows provided there is no religious content and they are approved before the day of the marriage.
Maximum numbers allowed at the ceremony vary dependent on the venue. The registrar sees the couple in private before the ceremony to ensure that the particulars to be entered in the register are correct.
There are no dress codes for register office weddings. It can be “best dress”, for example smart suits, or formal wedding attire. The bride can choose to walk into the room on the arm of her father, or whoever gives her away, and can be accompanied by her bridesmaids. The groom can select a best man and ushers. Liase with the superintendent registrar first.
In most areas, you can book your chosen register office up to three years in advance, but check first and remember to note the date you will give your Notice of Marriage. (See our article on the legal requirements of marriage).
Approved premises for civil wedding ceremonies
Why not have your ceremony and reception at the same place? Since 1994, local authorities have been able to approve and licence premises for civil weddings. These include hotels, historic buildings, stately
homes, banqueting suites, sporting venues and even moored boats.
The local superintendent registrar officiates at the wedding, so you must check if he is available before making a booking with your chosen venue.
The fees for the registrar’s attendance, and the fees for each individual venue, are set by the local authority, so they can vary considerably. They may also vary dependent on the day of the week you wish to marry, Saturdays and Bank Holidays are usually more expensive.
You can write your own vows or have poetry or readings, but these must be authorised by the superintendent registrar at least a month before the wedding. Each person getting married must have a “Marriage Authority”: the documents to allow the marriage to take place. (See our article on the legal requirements of marriage).
A major advantage of “approved premises” is that you can have your ceremony and wedding at the same venue, making them a particularly good choice for winter weddings or, if your guests will be travelling from far and wide.
However, because residential qualifications no longer exist for civil weddings, the most popular buildings are booked up very quickly so confirm your booking as soon as possible.
Things to determine when choosing a civil wedding venue:
1. What are the fees to book the venue for a civil wedding?
2. Do the room hire charges include setting up the room for the ceremony?
3. Are there any restrictions on photography, video and music during the ceremony?
4. What is the maximum number of people for the wedding ceremony/reception?
5. Is the superintendent registrar available on your wedding day?
