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.
Your guests, witnesses and music
Inviting your guests
Make sure your guests all know where and when to arrive on the day.
All your guests count towards the room capacity. This includes children and babies of all ages. However, you the couple, registrars and photographer are not included towards the room capacity.
If you have booked a Sapphire ceremony, these are limited to 10 guests. Requests for additional guests over this will result in additional charges.
If you have booked a You Plus Two ceremony, this are limited to just the couple and two witnesses.
Your witnesses
The law requires two witnesses be present during your ceremony, however you can have up to four witnesses should you wish. Anyone can be your witnesses, friends, relatives, or strangers. Your witnesses must understand English and be fully aware of the nature and meaning of the ceremony. We ask that your witnesses are over the age of 16.
The registration service is not able to provide witnesses for you.
Ceremony music
If your ceremony is taking place at one of our register office ceremony rooms, music must be supplied by you.
Please ensure your nominated guest arrives early to be able to get set up on the system. All our offices have Bluetooth which is the preferred method and can be connected to a compatible phone or tablet.
Your nominated guest who will need to have access to your playlist and please make sure they are comfortable to play your music. The registrar on the day will help them get connected.
If your ceremony is taking place at a licenced venue, you will need to contact them directly to find out how you will need to supply your music for your ceremony
About your ceremony
Length of the ceremony
Most of our ceremonies last between 20 and 30 minutes depending on your choices for the ceremony. You can find out more about how you can customise your day.
If you have booked a You Plus Two ceremony, this does not include any personalised content and will be much shorter.
Decorating the ceremony room
Our registration office ceremony rooms host numerous ceremonies, often on the same day, so decorating the ceremony room is not possible. We can accommodate a small flower display for a table; however, this should not be flowers in water.
If you are having your ceremony at one of other venues, then your venue will work with you to make sure the room is decorated and set out as you would like.
Marriage schedules, documents and certificates
You no longer sign a marriage register or are given a marriage certificate during your ceremony, following a change in the law. Instead you will sign a civil schedule and your certificate will be sent out to you afterwards.
The schedule is a one-page document which contains the details of both people getting married or forming a civil partnership.
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.
Throwing confetti
We recommend the use of sustainable or biodegradable confetti at all our ceremonies, such as natural petal-based choices. You can throw confetti at most locations; however, it is not permitted inside any of our ceremony rooms and must only be thrown in outdoor areas.
Changing your name after the ceremony
It is common practice for one or both parties to change their name(s) after a marriage or civil partnership ceremony. In the UK this is a personal choice rather than a legal requirement.