What happens on the day?
Before the ceremony The Registrar needs to meet the couple around 30 minutes before the ceremony can begin. This is known as the pre-ceremony meeting. This is to make sure that all the details for the Marriage Register are correct and it is a statutory requirement on the day. The Registrar will have a copy of your planning form with the words you will be saying. You do not need to bring any documentation with you on the day of the ceremony, the Registrars will have everything they need. They will talk you through the ceremony, check you are happy with all the plans and make note of any last-minute changes. We can hold this meeting with the couple together or separately, it’s your choice. We understand that some couples don’t want to see each other until they’re walking down the aisle. So, we recommend that one of you arrives 30 minutes before the ceremony, and the other 15 minutes before. Ask your guests to get there at least 20 minutes before the start. Remember to make allowances for traffic delays. Check where parking is for you and your guests and let them know. Factor in time for any pre-wedding photographs and try not to keep your partner waiting - this reduces the stress levels for everyone!
Some of your questions answered
How do we sign the Register? The Registrar will ask you to sign the Marriage Register using your normal signature. They run through this with you at your pre-ceremony meeting on the day. Can we write our own vows? Many couples like to add additional vows/promises. You can write your own or choose from some examples on our website. If you have chosen additional vows, we suggest you write the words on a card and read from this. The cards can be handed to the Registrar when you meet before the start of the ceremony and they will hand them to you at the appropriate time in the ceremony. Who can I have as witnesses? You need two witnesses to sign the Marriage Register. They can be family, friends, your children or anyone of your choice. They must be able to hear and understand English. Children should preferably be over 14 years of age. You may be able to include extra witnesses, just check with the Registrar on the day. The Registrars cannot be your witnesses.
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