Somerset Wedding Registration Service - Ceremonies Guide

Simon & Kiana Photography

Simon & Kiana Photography

PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY Every ceremony is unique to the couple it joins together. While there are some statutory words that need to be included, you can personalise your ceremony and really make it your own. Download the Pre-Ceremony Check form and guidance from our website and get it back to us around a month before the event. You can use this to let us know which essential elements you’ve chosen, and what readings, music and personal vows you want to add. We’re happy to work with you to create a truly memorable event. In the past, we’ve dressed up for a Western themed wedding, and hosted a Hogwarts-style ceremony in our Tudor Hall. Most of all, we are here to let you shine and to celebrate your love. Just talk to our team about your ideas and see what’s possible.

or your partnership formed. Did you know you don’t actually have to agree to love, honour and obey each other? There are several versions of the vows available, so you can find one to suit. You also don’t have to exchange rings if you don’t want to. Other tokens can be used, or you can leave this part out altogether. This is also your opportunity to add your own personal vows if you have something special you want to say to express your commitment. Our main requirement is that there are no religious elements in your readings and music, but beyond that we are really flexible. Getting married is a serious business, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and relaxed too if that’s what you’d like. You can choose between a basic ceremony for yourselves and two witnesses, or a full ceremony with friends and family. Depending on the personal decisions you make about your ceremony, your day could include some or all of the available options. This is our suggested order of ceremony:

Full Ceremony Welcome & Introduction Giving Away (Optional) Legal Preliminaries Reading 1 (Optional) Declaration of Freedom

Contract of Marriage Reading 2 (Optional) Personal Ring Vows (Optional) Reading 3 (Optional) Announcement Signing of the Schedule

(formerly the register) Photography (Optional) Basic Ceremony Welcome & Introduction Legal Preliminaries Declaration of Freedom Contract of Marriage Ring Vows (Optional) Signing of the Schedule (formerly the register) Announcement Photography (Optional)

The bits that must be included are the declaration that there is no legal impediment to your marriage, and that you confirm that you take each other to be husband or wife. There is a similar section in a civil partnership with slightly different wording. The registrar will then declare you married,

Let us know your ceremony choices at least a week before the big day.

Simon & Kiana Photography

SOMERSET WEDDING REGISTRATION SERVICE

9

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator