Lawns ceremonies

The law requires the presence of two witnesses during your ceremony.

The two witnesses are included within your 30 guests.

Witnesses must be:

• Aged 18 years or over
• Able to speak and understand English
• Able to understand the proceedings
• Present in the ceremony room for the entirety of the ceremony

You can use relatives, friends, or strangers off the street! Ideally, we need to know who your witnesses are in advance of the ceremony.

Our Register Office staff cannot act as witnesses for you or provide them.

Without two suitable witnesses on the day, we will not be able to proceed with your ceremony.

We have provided below a copy of the Bluebell wedding vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good Morning/Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and a very warm welcome to the marriage of ____________ & _______________ (full names)

here at __________________which has been duly sanctioned, according

to law, for the celebration of marriages.

Would the guests please be seated.

(Couple to remain standing)

On behalf of ______________and _______________ I would like to thank you for being here today to share with them in this their wedding ceremony.

However, I now ask that if any person here present knows of any

lawful impediment to this marriage, it should be declared now.

_______________and __________before you are joined in Matrimony, I have to remind you of the solemn and binding character of the vows you are

about to make.

The law of this country allows two people to make the lifelong commitment of marriage. This legally binding union is to be entered into voluntarily and to the exclusion of all others.

_____________ and ______________do you wish to affirm your relationship by making legally binding vows which are to be sincerely made and faithfully kept ?

Answer ‘I do’

Thank you, I am now going to ask each of you in turn to make the first of your vows, your declaration that you are both free to marry…..

Partner one:

“I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, _____________ may not be joined in marriage to _________________”.

Partner two:

“I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, _____________ may not

be joined in marriage to ________________”.

The moment has now come when this couple are going to make their formal and legal marriage contract before you all.

Couple to face one another

Contractual Vows

Partner one:

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, __________

do take thee ______________to be my lawful wedded wife/husband”.

Partner two:

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _________

do take thee _____________ to be my lawful wedded wife/husband”.

Rings on cushion

A wedding ring is the ancient and traditional way of sealing the vows you have just made to each other.

Partner one:

Please place the wedding ring onto the finger and say -

“_____________I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and a token of our marriage. I promise to give you my love and friendship and to be there for you when you need me. I make these promises to you for the rest of my life’’.

Partner two:

Please place the wedding ring onto the finger and say -

“_____________I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and a token of our marriage. I promise to give you my love and friendship and to be there for you when you need me. I make these promises to you for the rest of my life”.

(If only one ring is to be given):

“_____________I accept this ring as a symbol of your love and a token of our marriage. I promise to give you my love and friendship and to be there for you when you need me. I make these promises to you for the rest of my life”.

_______________and __________________you have both made the vows and declarations prescribed by law and, together with the long tradition of the giving and receiving of wedding ring (s), have made a solemn and binding marriage contract with each other in the presence of your witnesses (and guests).

If is my great pleasure to tell you on behalf of (registrar’s name) and myself that you are now married! Many congratulations.

We have provided below a copy of the Primrose wedding vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning / afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a very warm welcome to you all here at ______________ which has been duly sanctioned, according to law, for the celebration of marriage.

(Guests to sit – couple and escort to remain standing)

You are here to witness the marriage ceremony of __________________ and

________________ and, on their behalf, I should like to thank you all for joining them here today to share in their happiness.

The law of this country allows two people to make the lifelong commitment of marriage. This legally binding union is to be entered into voluntarily and to the exclusion of all others.

I now ask that if any person knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, it should be declared now.

________ and ________ do you wish to affirm your relationship by making legally binding vows, which are to be sincerely made and faithfully kept?

Answer together: ‘I do’

AND/OR: Who gives this ________ to be married?

Escort to answer: ‘I do’ (then return to seat)

Marriage is a promise of hope between two people who love each other, trust that love, honour one another as individuals and who wish to share their future lives together. It enables them to share their dreams and memories, joys and laughter and to bring out the best in each other.

(Optional reading)

Declarations:

I am now going to ask you both to declare that there is no legal reason why you may not be married.

Partner One:

‘I do solemnly declare, that I know not, of any lawful impediment why I, ___________ may not be joined in matrimony to ______________.’

Partner Two:

‘I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, ___________may not be joined in matrimony to _________________.’

Contractual Vows

Ladies and gentlemen the moment has now come when this couple are going to make their formal and legal marriage contract vows before you all.

Partner One:

‘I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I, ___________ do take thee _____________, to be my lawful wedded husband/wife.”

____________ I have chosen to share my life with you, I promise to care for you in good times and in bad and to be loyal and faithful throughout our lives together. These promises I make to you for the rest of my life’.

Partner Two:

‘I call upon these persons here present, to witness that I, ____________ do take thee _____________ to be my lawful wedded husband/wife.

____________ I have chosen to share my life with you, I promise to care for you in good times and in bad and to be loyal and faithful throughout our lives together. These promises I make to you for the rest of my life.’

The exchange of rings:

__________ and __________ you have chosen to exchange rings (or a ring) as an outward sign of the commitment you have made to each other today.

May I ask _____________ to come forward with the wedding ring(s) please?

A wedding ring is an ancient and traditional way of sealing the vows you have made. It is an unbroken circle symbolising a love without beginning or end.

Partner One: Please place the wedding ring onto her finger and say:

‘____________ I give you this ring. Receive it with love, accept it and wear it always to remind you of the promises I have made to you today.’

Partner Two: Please place the wedding ring onto his finger and say:

‘____________ I give you this ring. Receive it with love, accept it and wear it always to remind you of the promises I have made to you today.’

Or if only one ring is to be given:

‘___________ I accept this ring given with your love. I will wear it always to remind me of the promises we have made to each other today.’

(Optional reading)

____________ and _____________ today is a milestone in your lives together, cherish your love for each other, and as you celebrate your marriage, may the future be everything that you wish it to be. You have both made the vows and declarations prescribed by law and, together with the long tradition of the giving and receiving of wedding ring (s), have made a solemn and binding marriage contract with each other, in the presence of your witnesses, family and friends.

It is my great pleasure to tell you that you are now married! Many congratulations.

We have provided below a copy of the Snowdrop wedding vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning /afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a very warm welcome to Peterborough Register Office.

This room has been approved by law for marriages.

Would you all please be seated.

You are here to witness the marriage of _____________ and ____________.

If any person knows of a legal reason why this marriage should not take place, then is should be said now.

_______________ and ________________ today you will say words to each other which are required by law and will join you together.

In this country, the law allows two people to make a lifelong promise of marriage. This legal union is entered into freely and excludes all others.

Would the ________, ________ (and the interpreter) please stand to make the first of their vows.

Partner 1

_____________ please repeat after me:

“I declare that I know of no legal reason why I ________________ may not be joined in marriage to ________________.”

Partner 2

_____________ please repeat after me:

“I declare that I know of no legal reason why I______________ may not be joined in marriage to_______________.”

This couple are now going to say further legal words before you all.

Partners both to turn to face each other.

Partner 1 to say:

“I ________________ take you ________________ to be my wedded husband/wife”.

Partner 2 to say:

“I ________________ take you ________________ to be my wedded husband/wife”.

Rings

______________ please bring the wedding ring (s) forward.

A wedding ring is a circle meaning a love that does not end.

It shows the lifelong promise you are both making to each other today.

Partner 1 to say:

“_________________, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage and my love for you”.

Partner 2 to say:

“_______________, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage and my love for you”.

Or if only one ring is to be given:

“_____________, I accept this ring as a sign of our marriage and your love.”

Today is the start of a new life for you together.

You have both said the words which are needed by law.

On behalf of (registrar’s name) and me, we are very pleased to tell you that you are now married.

Many congratulations.

We have provided below a copy of the Violet wedding vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning / afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a very warm welcome to the wedding of ________________ and ________________ here at _____________ which has been duly sanctioned, according to law, for the celebration of marriages.

Would you all please be seated.

You are here to witness the marriage ceremony of _____________________ and _________________. On their behalf I would like to thank you all for being here today to share with them in this their wedding ceremony.

Through their vows they are making a commitment to each other and through your presence here you are expressing your support for them.

However I now ask that if any person here present knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, it should be declared now.

_____________ and ______________ today you will exchange the vows which will unite you as ________ and ________.

The words are a formal and public pledge of your love and commitment to each other.

Before you are joined in matrimony I have to remind you of the solemn and binding character of the vows you are about to make.

The law of this country allows two people to make the lifelong commitment of marriage. This legally binding union is to be entered into voluntarily and to the exclusion of all others.

(Optional reading)

Now you have both already told us that there is no lawful impediment to your marriage. Please would you both stand to make the first of your vows.

Declarations

Partner One:

‘I do solemnly declare, that I know not, of any lawful impediment why I, ___________ may not be joined in matrimony to ____________.’

Partner Two:

‘I do solemnly declare, that I know not, of any lawful impediment why I, ______________ may not be joined in matrimony to ______________.’

The moment has now come when this couple are going to make their formal and legal marriage contract before you all.

___________ and ____________ would you please turn to face one another,

Contractual Vows

Partner One:

‘I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _____________ do take thee _______________, to be my lawful wedded husband/wife.’

Partner Two:

‘I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _____________

do take thee _______________, to be my lawful wedded husband/wife.’

Rings

May I ask ______________ to come forward with the wedding ring (s) please?

A wedding ring is the ancient and traditional way of sealing the vows you have made. It is an unbroken circle with no beginning and no end, and is the outward sign of the lifelong promises you have made to each other today.

Partner One:

Please place the wedding ring onto his/her finger and say

‘__________ I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and a token of our marriage.’ On this our wedding day I promise to give you my love and friendship, to be there for you when you need me, and to comfort and support you. These promises I make to you for the rest of my life.’

Partner Two:

Please place the wedding ring onto his/her finger and say

‘_________ I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and a token of our marriage.’ On this our wedding day I promise to give you my love and friendship, to be there for you when you need me, and to comfort and support you. These promises I make to you for the rest of my life.’

OR if only 1 ring say

‘I accept this ring as a symbol of our love, and a token of our marriage.’ On this our wedding day I promise to give you my love and friendship, to be there for you when you need me, and to comfort and support you, these promises I make to you for the rest of my life.’

(Optional reading)

Today is a milestone in your lives together. We hope the feelings of love that you have for each other today, will deepen and grow ever stronger throughout the years to come.

_____________ and _______________ you have both made the vows and declarations prescribed by law. Together with the long tradition of the giving and receiving of wedding rings you have both made a solemn and binding marriage contract with each other in the presence of your witnesses and guests here assembled.

It is my great pleasure to tell you on behalf of (registrar’s name) and myself that you are now married! Many congratulations.

We have provided below a copy of the Laurel civil partnership vow script. 

You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning / afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen.

Welcome to the partnership ceremony of

_____________________and ____________________.

Would you all please be seated.

This room has been approved by law for the registration of civil partnerships.

You are here to witness the ceremony between

________________ and__________________.

If any person knows of a legal reason why this civil partnership should not take place, it should be stated now.

__________________ and__________________, you

have chosen to commit to a legal and binding contract with each other.

I should now like you both to stand to make your promises.

DECLARATION

(First partner to repeat)

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I

______________________, may not register as the civil partner of _______________________.

(Second partner to repeat)

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I

_______________________, may not register as the

civil partner of ______________________.

________________and ______________are now going to exchange rings (a ring) and make their promises before you all

If you are able to, will you all please stand.

RINGS (If given)

A ring is an unbroken circle and signifies a lifelong promise of love and commitment.

PROMISE

(First partner to repeat)

I give you this ring as a symbol of our partnership.

I ____________________ take you _______________ to be my lawful civil partner.

(Second partner to repeat)

I give you this ring as a symbol of our partnership. (Or: I accept this ring as a symbol of our partnership)

I ___________________ take you ________________ to be my lawful civil partner.

__________________ and __________________

you have both made a legal and binding commitment to each other. You have exchanged rings (a ring) in front of your families, friends and witnesses.

It is my pleasure to tell you that you are now partners for life. Congratulations.

We have provided below a copy of the Maple civil partnership vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning / afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a very warm welcome to you all here at ___________which has been duly sanctioned, according to law, for the celebration of civil partnerships.

Would you all please be seated.

Throughout history, ceremonies have been used to mark important events in people’s lives. Today we meet to celebrate the relationship that ________

and ________ share and, in making a public declaration of their love, we

shall witness their commitment to each other, share their joy and give them our best wishes for their future together.

So, you are all here to witness the formation of the civil partnership of ________and ________, but if any person here knows of any lawful impediment to this partnership, it should be declared now.

(Optional reading)

_________and _______you have chosen to commit yourselves to each other with a legally binding contract which will unite you as partners for life.

So I should now like you both to stand to make your declarations.

Declaratory words:

First partner:

________ this is your declaration that you are free to form a civil partnership so I would like you to repeat after me:

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not register as the civil partner of __________.

Second partner:

________ this is your declaration that you are free to form a civil partnership, so I would like you to repeat after me:

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not register as the civil partner of ___________.

Ladies and Gentlemen, would you all please stand.

Contracting words:

First partner:

I __________ take you _____________ to be my lawful civil partner secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend and my faithful partner in life.

Second partner:

I __________ take you _____________ to be my lawful civil partner secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend and my faithful partner in life.

The Rings:

Can I ask __________ to bring the ring(s) forward please.

A ring is an unbroken circle with no beginning and no end and the giving of a ring signifies a lifelong promise of love and commitment to each other.

Would you please both turn to face each other.

First Partner:

Now, ______I would like you to take _______ring and placing it on his/her finger, say to him/her:

__________I give you this ring as a token of my love. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of sadness, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest and to honour these promises throughout the years to come.

Second Partner:

Now, ______I would like you to take _______ring and placing it on his/her finger, say to him/her:

_____________I give you this ring as a token of my love. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of sadness, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest and to honour these promises throughout the

years to come.

Or if only one ring is to be given:

_____________I accept this ring as a token of our love.

I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of sadness, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest and to honour these promises throughout the years to come.

(Optional reading)

________________ and _____________ today you have chosen to seal your relationship in law by entering into a solemn and binding civil partnership in the presence of your guests and witnesses who are all assembled for you here today. This will enable you to enjoy the rights and responsibilities that registration brings and a permanent record of your partnership will now be created. It is my great pleasure to tell you that you are now legally partners for life and we wish you a long and happy future together.

Congratulations !

We have provided below a copy of the Oak civil partnership vow script. You do not need to remember any wording.

SCRIPT

Good morning / afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a very warm welcome to you all here at ___________which has been duly sanctioned, according to law, for the celebration of civil partnerships.

Would you all please be seated. Today is a special and deeply significant occasion for _______and _________as they will affirm their love and publicly declare their commitment to each other. So, on their behalf, I would like to thank you for joining them here today to share in their happiness.

You are all here to witness the formation of the civil partnership of ________and ________. However, if any person knows of any lawful impediment to this partnership it should be declared now.

(Optional reading)

________and ________you have chosen to pledge yourselves to each other by committing to a legally binding contract so I should now like you both to stand to make your declarations.

Declarations

To first partner:

Are you, _______ ready to make the promises by which you will be united in civil partnership with ___________?

Response: I am

To second partner:

Are you, _______ready to make the promises by which you will be united in civil partnership with ____________?

Response: I am

Declaratory words:

First partner:

________ this is your declaration that you are free to form a civil partnership so I would like you to repeat after me:

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not register as the civil partner of __________.

Second partner:

________ this is your declaration that you are free to form a civil partnership, so I would like you to repeat after me:

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not

register as the civil partner of ___________.

Ladies and Gentlemen, would you all please stand.

Contracting words:

First partner:

I ______take you ______to be my lawful civil partner.

Second partner:

I ______take you ______to be my lawful civil partner.

The Rings:

Can I ask __________ to bring the ring(s) forward please.

A ring is an unbroken circle with no beginning and no end and the giving of a ring signifies a lifelong promise of love and commitment to each other.

Would you please both turn to face each other.

First Partner:

Now, _____I would like you to take ________ring and, placing it on his/her finger, say to him/her:

_________I give you this ring as a token of my abiding love and a lasting reminder of the promises I have made to you today. I pledge to share my life with you and to stay by your side during joy and sorrow, throughout the years to come. To these promises I give you my word.

Second Partner:

Now, _____I would like you to take _______ring and, placing it on his/her finger, say to him/her:

_________I give you this ring as a token of my abiding love and a lasting reminder of the promises I have made to you today. I pledge to share my life with you and to stay by your side during joy and sorrow, throughout the years to come. To these promises I give you my word.

Or if only one ring is to be given:

________, I accept this ring as a token of your abiding love and a lasting reminder of the promises we have made to each other today. I pledge to share my life with you and to stay by your side during joy and sorrow, throughout the years to come. To these promises I give you my word.

(Optional reading)

________________ and _____________ today you have entered into a solemn and binding civil partnership and have declared your love and commitment to each other in the presence of your witnesses and guests here assembled. It is my great pleasure to tell you that you are now formally recognised as partners for life. Congratulations !!

We charge a fee of £12.50 for one marriage or civil partnership certificate. We take this payment from you when you book and pay for your ceremony.

We will post the certificate to you on the next working day after your ceremony.

If you require more than one certificate, or want to order copies at a later date, these cost £12.50 each. Visit our certificate page for more information.

You are welcome to bring a professional photographer or videographer to capture your ceremony. They do not count towards your guest amount.

They can take photos or videos of the ceremony inside the Register Office and outside in the garden by the old stone archway afterwards. We have fitted the gardens with lighting to enhance photographs on winter afternoons or darker days.

Please note photos cannot be taken of the couple signing the legal paperwork. Once this has been done, we can mock up a pretend signing when photos can be taken.

We prefer the photographer / videographer to remain at the front of the room and not wander around while the ceremony takes place. If they are seated during the ceremony, they will count as a guest.

Please note, if one of your guests acts as your photographer or videographer on the day, they will still count towards your guest amount.

Please note the music you choose for your ceremony must be appropriate to the occasion. It must not be religious in any way.

Choose between three to five songs, one to walk into, a couple for certificate signing, one to leave to.

You can either provide a CD or link to our system via Bluetooth.

Our staff can help with playing the music.

You are welcome to include up to two readings as part of your ceremony. They must not feature any religious material.

You could use an extract from a book, a poem, quote or song lyric.

You must share your reading choices with us in advance of your ceremony.

We do not permit the throwing of confetti inside the Register Office. However, you can have confetti outside in our garden. It must be biodegradable.

To keep to the timings of our ceremonies throughout the day, we cannot give couples and their guests the opportunity to decorate the ceremony room at the Register Office.

However, we do have floral displays in our ceremony rooms that we change seasonally.

Please note that we have limited parking available at Peterborough Register Office. The parking is for the use of staff and all visitors to the building. We do not charge for parking.

We can't guarantee the availability of parking, particularly on weekdays and at other busy times.

For your guests, we recommend on weekdays that they park elsewhere.

Visit our car park locations page for more information about parking in the city.

We do not allow pets to attend ceremonies at Peterborough Register Office.

However, assistance dogs are welcome. Please let us know in advance if you require an assistance dog at the ceremony.

Children are welcome to attend this type of ceremony. Please note a child over the age of 12 months counts as one guest.

You can still bring a child below the age of 12 months. We have baby changing facilities available in the building.

• Ceremony rooms are located on the ground floor and have double doors to enter
• Disabled toilet available
• One disabled parking space
• Assistance dogs welcome
• A loop hearing system in the Lawns Room for people who are hard of hearing

If anyone attending your ceremony has any other requirements, please let us know.

We do not allow food and drink inside the Register Office or in the garden.

For you to share with your guests and photographer:

Peterborough Register Office
33 Thorpe Road
Peterborough
PE3 6AB

We recommend guests arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony start time and wait in our waiting area.

Please see the other dropdown boxes on this page for information on parking and disabled facilities and access.

In the event that you need to make any changes to your ceremony a £30 administration fee will be payable.

In the event that you need to cancel a ceremony for which you have already paid, you will need to put your cancellation in writing to peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk. Cancellations are subject to the following guidelines:

• Six months or more notice of cancellation - full refund (less a £30 administration fee)
• Three to six months notice of cancellation - 50% refund (less a £30 administration fee)
• Less than three months notice of cancellation (or failure to cancel) - no refund

If you have an enquiry, please contact us:

• Telephone: 01733 864646 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• Email: peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk