Our staff will ensure that you know what will happen on your ceremony day. These pages are designed for you and your guests, so you know what to expect on the day. If you would like to discuss your ceremony with us before the day, please contact the ceremonies team who will be happy to discuss your ceremony with you at any time.
Pre-ceremony interview
You will both meet with the registrars immediately prior to your ceremony for a preliminary interview, during which they will talk you through the ceremony and answer any last-minute questions you might have.
The registrar will check all the details which will be recorded on the civil schedule. This is to check the information you gave at your notice appointment and ensure that the details are correct, and the official record of the ceremony is accurate. You do not need to bring ID with you on the day of your ceremony.
Please ensure you check the personal details recorded thoroughly, as additional costs may apply if a correction is needed after the ceremony has been registered.
If you have changed your name between giving notice and the day of your ceremony, please contact us as we’ll need to see proof of the change of name.
If your ceremony is taking place at one of our registration offices
Please arrive five minutes before your ceremony time so we can meet with you. You can either be seen together or, if your do not want to see each other before your ceremony, you may decide to be seen separately. We recommend partner one arrives five minutes before the time shown on your booking confirmation, and partner two arrives five minutes after the time show. The ceremony will begin shortly thereafter once all checks have taken place.
You will have exclusive use of the ceremony room for the period of your booking. Please be aware that other ceremonies may take place on the same day both before and after your timeslot.
If your ceremony is taking place at one of our other venues
Please arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony time so we can meet with you. If you would like to be seen separately, one of you will need to be ready to meet with the registrars 30 minutes before your ceremony start time and the second person 15 minutes before. If you decide to be seen together, you will both need to be ready 20 minutes before your ceremony start time.
What if you are running late on the day
If you arrive late on the day, it may not be possible to conduct your ceremony or it could be delayed. Your ceremony should start at the appointed slot unless there are exceptional circumstances. Our staff will do their best to accommodate any disruption on the day and keep you informed.