The marriage ceremony

 

 

After welcoming everyone to the register office, the superintendent registrar will remind the bride and groom of the solemn and binding character of the vows they are about to make.

 

First the groom and then the bride will be required to declare that there is no lawful reason to prevent them marrying each other. The declaration is repeated, a few words at a time, after the superintendent registrar. The usual wording in use at this office is:

 

'I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your full name) may not be joined in matrimony to (full name of partner)'.

 

At this stage in the ceremony the guests are asked to stand and rings may be exchanged.

 

The superintendent registrar will then ask the bride and groom to repeat the contracting vows. Once again the bridegroom will be the first to repeat the words followed by the bride. The usual wording used at this office is:

 

'I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (your full name) do take thee (full name of partner) to be my lawful wedded wife.'

 

and

 

'I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (your full name) do take thee (full name of partner) to be my lawful wedded husband.'

 

The ceremony will conclude with the signing of the register. Both bride and groom will be asked to check the entry in the marriage register to ensure that the details are correct and to sign the register. After photographs, the witnesses will then add their signatures.

 

Please note that it is very important to check the entry carefully because making any correction after signing can be a complex and lengthy process.

 

The superintendent registrar and the registrar will then complete the entry by signing it. The registrar will then make out a certified copy of the entry (the marriage certificate) and this will be presented to the bride and groom.

 

 

Allowing for certain restrictions, it is possible to adapt the marriage ceremony. The most frequently requested changes are dealt with below. It is very important that any changes are discussed with the superintendent registrar before the wedding day.

 

The bride is welcome to make a 'grand entrance' into the marriage and ceremony room with all the guests already in place. One or more people of her choice may accompany her. However, the layout of the building is such that the bride and groom must still be interviewed together before the marriage.

 

 

The law of this country allows for a shorter version of the marriage vows to be spoken. This is available on request. Alternatively, it is possible to add your own words to those shown in the marriage ceremony. Any extra vows must be non-religious and will need to be produced in writing prior to the wedding day.

 

 

Readings can be included in the ceremony. As with the additional vows any readings must be non-religious and a copy should be provided in advance. An appointment should be made with the superintendent registrar who will be dealing with the wedding to decide exactly whereabouts in the ceremony the reading or readings will be inserted. It is usual for reading to be spoken by a friend or relative.

 

 

Music is usually played during parts of the ceremony, unless requested otherwise. The bride and groom may prefer to provide their own music, which must be on CD and have no religious connotations. CDs should be delivered to the register office at least 2 days before the marriage.

 

 

Photographs may be taken of the bride as she enters the room, but to avoid disruptions and distractions the policy of this office is for photographs not to be taken during the ceremony. Upon completion of the ceremony some time is allocated for photographs.

 

 

The superintendent registrar may assist in creating an 'action replay' of the signing of the register and giving of rings. Dependent upon time it may be possible for one or two more photographs to be taken within the marriage room. After the ceremony, photographs may be taken in the register office garden next to the old archway.

 

 

We allow one battery-operated video camera to be in use during the ceremony.

 

 

When outside the register office, guests are welcome to throw confetti but not to use party poppers, streamers or spray string.

 

 

The marriage and ceremony room is decorated with two large pedestal silk flower arrangements and a smaller table arrangement. The flowers are changed according to the season.

 

Brides often prefer to carry a bouquet, which can be placed in front of the register when photographs are being taken.

 

 

During the time that she is interviewed prior to the marriage ceremony, the bride's face must be visible.

 

All mobile phones must be switched off or in silent mode when brought in to the marriage room.

 

Smoking is not permitted within the building.

 

 

There are slight differences to the above when marriages occur in approved venues. The bride and groom are interviewed separately before the ceremony. Music, flowers and confetti should be discussed with the marriage co-ordinator at the venue involved.

 

 

Since 1st April 1995 the Marriage Act 1994 has allowed couples to marry in hotels, stately homes and other suitable locations provided they have been licensed by the local authority. The marriage ceremonies are non-religious in nature and conducted by registration officers. Please see the list of approved venues. The notice of marriage is as for register office marriages

 

 

One month before the ceremony, it will be necessary to make an appointment at the register office to discuss the details of the ceremony and pay the fees. 

 

2007		2008
Monday - Friday	£300	Monday - Friday	£300
Saturday	£350	Saturday	£350
Sunday	£350	Sunday	£350

 

Certificates are £3.50 each if purchased on the day of the ceremony and £7.00 thereafter.