Within this guide you will find information on all celebratory services that Bath and North East Somerset Register Office has to offer; marriage, civil partnership, civil partnership conversion ceremonies, dual ceremonies, naming ceremonies and renewal of vows. It also includes detailed advice ranging from legal requirements and procedures to licensed venues and services to help your day run smoothly from start to finish.
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET Ceremonies Guide
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WELCOME TO THE BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE Within this guide you will find information on all celebratory services that Bath and North East Somerset Register Office has to offer: marriage, civil partnership, civil partnership conversion ceremonies, celebrant led ceremonies, dual ceremonies, naming ceremonies and renewal of vows. It also includes detailed advice ranging from legal requirements and procedures to licensed venues and services to help your day run smoothly from start to finish. We are very proud of the service we provide across Bath and North East Somerset. Ceremonies can be held in any of our many approved venues and in the outside areas within the boundary line of those premises. Our approved venues are glorious and varied so there is something for everyone. Please see details in this brochure or in the enclosed leaflet. The Guildhall, at the heart of Bath, also has a variety of historic rooms for your ceremony. If you wish to view these rooms, please contact us. To book your ceremony at a venue or at the Guildhall, or to discuss ceremony options please email us at register_office@ bathnes.gov.uk, call us on 01225 477234 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/marriages. We look forward to hearing from you.
The Ceremonies Team, Bath and North East Somerset Register Office.
Heart Full of Tea
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 3
The Roman Baths, photo by Amy Sanders Photography
MARRIAGE You must first decide where and when you wish to marry. If you wish to marry within England or Wales there are several options. If you wish to have a civil ceremony you may marry in any Register Office within England or Wales or at an approved venue – a building which has been granted a licence for civil marriages. This might be a hotel, civic building, stately home, or any of the varied and unique licensed venues. You can also choose to get married in the outside areas at any of the approved venues. If you wish to have a religious ceremony, you must marry in either an Anglican church (Church of England) or in a place of worship which has been registered by the Registrar General for marriage ceremonies. The law makes a clear distinction between a religious and a civil ceremony. This means that you may not hold a religious ceremony on venues authorised for civil ceremonies, and you may not hold a civil ceremony in a place of worship.
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Amber Louise Photography
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 5
Jane Austen Room, The Guildhall
Abbey View Room, The Guildhall
Georgian Room, The Guildhall
Steve Lee Photoworks
Alkmaar Room, Heart Full of Tea
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Alkmaar Room, The Guildhall”
Civil marriages take place in register offices or approved venues and are arranged through the register office that covers the area where you intend to marry. Religious marriages are booked through your priest, minister or other religious representative who will advise you whether you need to contact a register office as part of the procedure. Ceremonies at The Guildhall The Register Office for Bath and North East Somerset is housed in the Guildhall. This grand Georgian Grade 1 listed building is conveniently situated on the High Street in the centre of the city. The Registration Service also has four beautiful licensed rooms within this magnificent building, the Alkmaar Room, the Georgian Room, the Abbey View Room and the Jane Austen Room. There are a further four large rooms available for hire within the Guildhall; details will appear later in the brochure. The Alkmaar Room is a grand room that provides a wonderful backdrop for your ceremony. The room seats up to 120 people including the couple. We offer a personalised and bespoke ceremony and you may choose your own music and include up to two readings. We can also interview you separately before the ceremony. The Georgian Room forms part of the original Georgian portion of the building completed in 1778. Recently refurbished, this magnificent and wonderfully proportioned room provides an ideal space for ceremonies of up to 50 people including the couple. The ceremony offered in this room may be personalised to suit and you may choose your own music and include up to two readings. We can also interview you separately before the ceremony. The Abbey View Room is situated in the south end of the Guildhall and has a unique and charming view of Bath Abbey. The room seats up to 25 people including the couple and is perfect for your ceremony. We offer a personalised and bespoke ceremony and you may choose your own music and select up to two readings. We can also interview you separately before the ceremony. The Jane Austen Room, named for one of Bath’s most illustrious former residents, is a beautiful and sumptuous setting for your special day. Couples can personalise their CHOOSING YOUR VENUE
ceremony with up to two readings and their own music and may be interviewed separately before the ceremony.
We offer a Register Office ceremony in one of our appointment offices. For a couple and two guests who will be their witnesses, the ceremony is simple but meaningful and the couple are interviewed together. Ceremonies at Approved Venues There is a wealth of beautiful and unique venues situated throughout our county, reflecting the extraordinary heritage and history of the area. Ceremonies at our approved venues can be tailored to incorporate elements such as personal vows, readings, music, and candle and sand ceremonies delivered at a time to suit you. For a comprehensive list of the venues licensed in Bath and North East Somerset please see the back of this brochure, or visit Bath and North East Somerset Council website. It is essential that you visit your chosen venue as they will require a deposit to secure your booking. Contact the Register Office by phone or online to confirm the date and time and to book the registrars. Ceremonies in Places of Religious Worship If you are planning a Church of England wedding the vicar will advise you on the legal requirements. If you have arranged to marry in a place of worship which does not belong to the Church of England you must give notice at the register office.
If you or the person you wish to marry is subject to immigration control please visit Gov.uk to find out more.
You may need to book a registrar to be present at your ceremony. If so, you will need to contact the register office as soon as possible. If you want to marry in a place of worship which is in a different district from where you both live, it is usually only possible if either of you worship there or have a connection to the church. Our staff will be glad to advise you on this matter.
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 7
Steve Lee Photoworks
GIVING NOTICE Giving notice to form a marriage
The Notice is a legal statement which must be signed by you and the person you are marrying. The numbers of days’ notice you have to give prior to your ceremony is 28 days for everyone, but possibly 70 days if you or your partner are subject to immigration control. Both parties are required by law to give legal notice of marriage in person to the register office in the district in which they have been resident for the 7 clear days immediately prior to giving notice. If either of you are subject to immigration control you must attend the Register Office together at the Register Office of either party. It does not matter if you move away from the area after you have given notice. There is a fee for giving notice – please ask for details. After you have given notice you must wait at least 28 days before the marriage can take place. The marriage must take place within twelve months of the date when notice was given. Giving notice if you are subject to immigration control Unless you are a British citizen, an Irish citizen or were settled in the United Kingdom under the EU settlement scheme or you have in your passport a certificate of entitlement giving you right of abode in the UK, you will be subject to immigration control. Please be aware the notice period may be up to 70 days.
For further information please contact your local register office.
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Steve Lee Photoworks
Steve Lee Photoworks
Documents required for notice of marriage British citizens, Irish citizens and people settled in the United Kingdom under the EU settlement scheme before 30 June 2021 One of the registration staff will interview you in private. In all cases evidence of identity and nationality will be required. The preferred document is a current passport. If you do not have a passport there are other documents which may be acceptable: please contact us for advice. We also require proof of residence. You must bring one of the following:- a bank statement no more than 1 month old at the time of the appointment, a utility bill no more than 3 months old at the time of the appointment, your current council tax bill, your mortgage statement dated no more than 1 year before the date on which notice is given, or tenancy agreement, or valid driving licence. If either of you have been married before, either in this country or any other country, you will need to produce evidence that the previous marriage has ended. If you have previously been through a civil partnership which was dissolved please bring your dissolution documents. If you are divorced, and your divorce was in England or Wales the document required is a court-stamped Decree Absolute. If the divorce was elsewhere you must produce the original document issued by the court and, if not written in English, a third party translation. There is an additional fee payable for the registration service to check a foreign divorce document and, depending on where the document was issued, the matter may need to be referred to the General Register Office which may cause a delay. If you are widowed, bring the death certificate of your former spouse/ partner. If you have changed your name legally, please bring the legal document with you. Our registration staff will advise you which documents are required, depending on your own personal circumstances. Please be aware that photocopies are not acceptable.
The Marriage Ceremony On the day you must bring at least two people with you to be witnesses to your marriage. You can choose any relative or friend providing they are able to understand what is taking place. We would strongly recommend that they are at least 16 years old. Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the ceremony is due to begin as we will need to check the details taken at the time of the notice. If you are arriving separately, the first partner should arrive twenty-five minutes prior to the ceremony and the second partner fifteen minutes before. At an approved venue the venue will advise you of timings. The Superintendent Registrar will welcome everyone and introduce the Registrar who will create the formal record of your marriage. Throughout the ceremony, the registrar will talk eloquently about marriage and the joys of a loving relationship. For information on how to make your ceremony bespoke to you please contact this office. You will then be reminded of the meaning of marriage and of the solemn and binding character of the vows you will be making to each other. In order for the marriage to be legal you must make two declarations. Firstly, that there is no legal impediment to your marriage and secondly that you take one another to be partners for life. You may then choose to exchange personal vows.
This is usually followed by an exchange of rings, after which the Superintendent Registrar will declare you are now married.
There will then be an opportunity for photographs.
If you wish to know more about marriage ceremonies at the register office or approved venues and how to make your ceremony bespoke to you, please contact us. We are here to give guidance and support throughout and will do everything within our power to make your day happy and memorable.
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 9
Rich Howman
CIVIL PARTNERSHIP Civil Partnership is a legal and formal recognition of the relationship between two people through which they gain rights in law similar to married couples. Choosing your Venue There is a wealth of beautiful and unique venues situated throughout our county, reflecting the extraordinary heritage and history of the area. Ceremonies at our approved venue can be tailored to incorporate elements such as personal vows and readings and delivered at a time to suit you. We want to do everything we can to help make your day all that you want it to be. For a comprehensive list of the venues licensed in Bath and North East Somerset please see the back of this brochure or the Bath and North East Somerset Council website – register office – approved venue. Contact the Register Office to confirm the date and time and book the registrars. The Register Office for Bath and North East Somerset is housed in the Guildhall. This grand Georgian Grade 1 listed building is conveniently situated on High Street in the heart of the city. The Guildhall has four beautiful licensed rooms within this magnificent building, the Alkmaar Room, the Georgian Room, the Abbey View Room and the Jane Austen Room as listed above. We offer a statutory signing for a couple and 2 guests in one of our registration offices. You can choose to sign the registration only with no ceremony. Giving Notice of intention to form a Civil Partnership Both parties are required by law to give legal notice of intention to form a Civil Partnership in person to the register office in the district in which they have been resident for the 7 clear days immediately prior to giving notice. If either of you are subject to immigration control you must attend the Register Office together at the Register Office of either party. It does not matter if you move away from the area after you have given notice.
There is a fee for giving notice – please ask for details. After you have given notice you must wait at least 28 days before the civil partnership can take place. The civil partnership must take place within twelve months of the date when notice was given. The notice and schedule will state the place in which the civil partnership will take place and if you wish to change the venue then new notices will have to be given. Giving notice if you are subject to immigration control Unless you are a British citizen, an Irish citizen or were settled in the United Kingdom under the EU settlement scheme or you have in your passport a certificate of entitlement giving you right of abode in the UK, you will be subject to immigration control. Please be aware the notice period maybe up to 70 days.
For further information please contact your local register office.
Documents required for notice of civil partnership for British citizens, Irish citizens and people settled in the United Kingdom under the EU settlement scheme before 30 June 2021 One of the registration staff will interview you in private. In all cases evidence of identity and nationality will be required. The preferred document is a current passport. If you do not have a passport there are other documents which may be acceptable: please contact us for advice. We also require proof of residence. You must bring one of the following:- a bank statement no more than 1 month old at the time of the appointment, a utility bill no more than 3 months old at the time of the appointment, your current council tax bill, your mortgage statement dated no more than 1 year before the date on which notice is given, or tenancy agreement, or valid driving licence. If either of you have been married before, either in this country or any other country, you will need to produce evidence that the previous marriage has ended. If you have previously
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Rich Howman
Rich Howman
Rich Howman
relationship. For information on how to make your ceremony bespoke to you please contact this office.
been through a civil partnership which was dissolved please bring your dissolution documents. If you are divorced, and your divorce was in England or Wales the document required is a court-stamped Decree Absolute. If the divorce was elsewhere you must produce the original document issued by the court and, if not written in English, a third party translation. There is an additional fee payable for the registration service to check a foreign divorce document and, depending on where the document was issued, the matter may need to be referred to the General Register Office which may cause a delay. If you are widowed, bring the death certificate of your former spouse/partner.
The couple can choose to say the legal declaration or may prefer to acknowledge it, and may choose to exchange personal vows.
This is usually followed by an exchange of rings or gifts, after which the Registrar will declare that you are civil partners.
To conclude, the couple and their witnesses will then sign the schedule. There will then be an opportunity for photographs.
If you wish to know more about civil partnerships at the Register Office or approved venues, please ask your registrar for details. We are here to give guidance and support throughout and will do everything within our power to make your day happy and memorable. Civil Partnership Conversion Ceremony Same Sex couples who are in a civil partnership formed in England or Wales are now legally able to convert this to a marriage. The conversion is a statutory process with the option to have a celebratory ceremony.
If you have changed your name legally please bring the legal document with you.
Our registration staff will advise you which documents are required, depending on your own personal circumstances. Please be aware that photocopies are not acceptable. The Civil Partnership Ceremony On the day you must bring two people with you to be witnesses to your civil partnership. You can choose any relative or friend as long as they are able to understand what is taking place. We would strongly recommend that they are at least 16 years old. Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the civil partnership is due to begin as we will need to check the details taken at the time of the notice. If you are arriving separately, then you should arrive twenty-five minutes and fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony. At an approved venue the venue will advise you of timings. The Partnership Registrar will welcome everyone and remind you of the meaning and binding nature of civil partnerships. Throughout the ceremony, the registrar will talk eloquently about civil partnership and the joys of a loving shared
If you contact us, we will be delighted to discuss the ceremony options with you.
The ceremony may take place in Register Offices or approved venue (a full list of approved venue in Bath and North East Somerset are listed in the back of this brochure) and are arranged through the Register Office that covers the area where you intend to hold the ceremony.
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 11
The American Museum & Gardens
The Holburne Museum
American Museum & Gardens (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
The Holburne Museum (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
With spectacular sweeping views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, stunning gardens and beautiful Georgian Manor House, this unique Grade I listed heritage venue is the perfect setting for an extraordinary celebration. Whether you’re planning a select affair or a grand-scale gathering, they can offer the perfect solution from a marquee on the South Lawn taking in the panoramic views to one of the historic buildings that can be transformed to tell your story.
The Holburne Museum (aka Lady Danbury’s house in Bridgerton) is a beautiful location for your wedding or civil partnership. A stone’s throw away from the city centre, and set within in its own gardens, the Museum is the perfect venue for intimate or more formal celebrations, with the gorgeous galleries licensed for ceremonies, and the contemporary café and gardens perfect for receptions and parties.
American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388569 Email: privatehire@holburne.org Web: www.holburne.org
Tel: 01225 460503 Email: events@americanmuseum.org Web: www.americanmuseum.org/venue-hire/weddings
Riverside Inn (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Riverside Inn
so you can be assured of the quality and service.
The Riverside is a classic English pub on the banks of the River Avon in Bristol. This picturesque riverside location offers a beautiful setting to celebrate your special day. You can have exclusive hire of the entire venue, the top floor or even just a room depending on the size of your event. There are also outside areas that are covered to make sure the British weather doesn’t spoil your day. Licensed for indoor or outdoor events, they really can cater for all party sizes and budgets.
Give them a call to start the excitement of planning your day, with all these options they really can make it as unique as you are. Riverside Inn, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3EZ Tel: 01225 873600 Email: riversideinn@yahoo.com Web: www.riverside-saltford.co.uk
A number of catering options are offered, including wood fired pizzas, hog roasts, street food, carvery or fine dining. All food is freshly prepared on site
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Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
An iconic destination for your special day: welcome to The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa!
Start as you mean to go on and let impeccable service and an exceptional setting be the benchmark for your wedding day. Choose from individually- designed indoor spaces, or their stunning wedding garden with licensed pergola. Whilst they can comfortably welcome up to 120 people with exclusive use, their grounds are also well-suited to smaller weddings thanks to the abundance of licenced intimate, characterful spaces available. So whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a grander occasion, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa can provide the most exquisite backdrop!
Tel: 01225 823333 Email: events@royalcrescent.co.uk Web: www.royalcrescent.co.uk/weddings-celebrations/
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
Lansdown Grove Hotel (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Perched on the side of Lansdown Hill with panoramic views over Bath, the Lansdown Grove has been a prominent Georgian mansion since 1770. With a large lawn, airy rooms and 61 upscale bedrooms, it is the perfect venue for your intimate and special day. A member of their experienced team will assist in tailoring the space to suit you and ensure your celebration is as unique as you are. There are four function rooms to choose from with a maximum capacity of 70.
Lansdown Grove Hotel, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5EH Tel: 01225 483888 Email: reservations@lansdowngrove.co.uk Web: www.lansdowngrove.co.uk
Lansdown Grove Hotel
Bailbrook House Hotel (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Set on a Bath hillside, Bailbrook House Hotel overlooks the glorious landscapes of Bath and the Avon Valley. With its beautiful period features, landscaped gardens and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it is hard to imagine a more inspired wedding venue for your dream country house wedding or civil partnership in Bath. With historic, traditional and contemporary rooms Bailbrook House provides a stylish location for your wedding in Bath. The Mansion House, Bailbrook Court and surrounding gardens provide wonderful scenes for your wedding photography, and the varied packages offers the flexibility for weddings from intimate celebrations in the Georgian Mansion House to 120 guests in our Brunel Suite. Their chefs, service team and your wedding coordinator will ensure that every detail is meticulously planned, leaving you to enjoy every moment of your special day.
Beata Cosgrove Photography , Bailbrook House Hotel
Bailbrook House Hotel, Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath, Somerset BA1 7JD Tel: 01225 855100 Email: bailbrookhouse@handpicked.co.uk Web: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 13
Temple of Minerva & Botanical Gardens (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
A perfect location for couples wanting flexibility: indoor and outdoor weddings, including marquee receptions; dog-friendly; choose your own caterer. Set among the winding paths, the Temple of Minerva appears through the foliage. A hidden gem in the tranquil setting of the Botanical Gardens. This beautiful venue provides an enchanting setting for a truly magical wedding celebration, from candlelit cosy winter ceremonies with mulled wine to summer picnics on the lawn, serving ice cream from a vintage trike. The wedding team can help you to create a perfect and memorable wedding day at any time of the year. The Temple of Minerva is licensed for up to 35 guests for a seated marriage or civil partnership. Open the triple doors and with seating on the terrace your guest numbers can comfortably increase to 100. The Temple lawn is perfect for confetti throwing, lawn games, picnics, photographs or, as you can organise your own suppliers you have the freedom to create something truly unique. With a choice of indoor or outdoor weddings, underfloor heating and marquee reception options it really is an all weather option.
Rich Howman, Elan Images
Honeydew Moments
Sophie TC Photography
Bath’s Historic Venues Tel: 01225 477786 Email: bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk Web: bathvenues.co.uk
JTP Studios & Heather Bailey
Parade Gardens & the Riverside Colonnades (Licensed for civil ceremonies) With its truly spectacular backdrop of city spires and the famous Pulteney Bridge, Parade Gardens offers a stunning riverside location to host your wedding ceremony or drinks reception. You choose the location - either the Edwardian bandstand or the Riverside Colonnades, both licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests. The vintage garden is renowned for its vibrant bedding displays and formal lawns which provides an excellent site for marquees and a lovely backdrop for wedding photographs. There is easy access to the Guildhall and other venues so if you are getting married in a different location but would like to enjoy the gardens for drinks and photographs, a reception only package is available.
Rich Howman, Elan Images
Bath’s Historic Venues Tel: 01225 477786 Email: bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk Web: bathvenues.co.uk
Kate Mellersh
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Guildhall (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Welcome to the Guildhall, a historic venue located in the heart of Bath. With its rich history and picturesque surroundings, The Guildhall offers a selection of lovely rooms, each licensed for wedding ceremonies. With the grand Banqueting Room accommodating up to 200 guests, it provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for ceremony or reception. Their dedicated team is committed to delivering a personalised experience, standing by your side every step of the way. You even have the freedom to select your own caterer or choose from one of their recommended suppliers. Bath’s Historic Venues Tel: 01225 477786 Email: bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk Web: www.bathvenues.co.uk
Andy Fletcher-360image Photography
Rich Howman, Elan Images
Mark Leonard
Roman Baths & Pump Room (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Situated at the heart of the World Heritage Site, the award- winning Roman Baths and Pump Room is without doubt one of the most distinctive venues in the country. The Roman Baths, steeped in 2000 years of history, is a truly magical setting for Sunrise and Sunset Ceremonies. Guests can gather on the ancient paving alongside the steaming and torchlit waters to enjoy drinks and canapés followed by a wedding party in the Georgian Pump Room or Terrace. Ceremonies are at 8.30am or 7.30pm. Sunset Ceremonies are available from September to July.
Rich Howman, Elan Images
Bath’s Historic Venues Tel: 01225 477786 Email: bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk Web: www.bathvenues.co.uk
Rich Howman, Elan Images
Bhavesh Chauhan
Victoria Art Gallery (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Situated in the heart of Bath, alongside the historic Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon, the Grade II listed gallery is an inspiring venue for an intimate wedding ceremony and drinks reception. It is competitively priced and a quirky alternative to a Register Office wedding. The building consists of a grand Upper Gallery and a more contemporary Lower Gallery with a lovely marble entrance hall. Couples can exchange their vows beneath their favourite painting and following a drinks reception in the gallery, many couples choose to have additional photographs in the nearby manicured riverside gardens before heading to a restaurant or another venue to continue their celebrations.
Heart Full of Tea
Bath’s Historic Venues Tel: 01225 477786 Email: bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk Web: www.bathvenues.co.uk
Heart Full of Tea
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 15
The Little Theatre Cinema
The Huntsman
The Little Theatre Cinema (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
The Huntsman (Licensed for civil ceremonies)
Located in the heart of Bath, The Huntsman was built in the 18 th century, and boasts the oldest shop-front in the city. Steeped in history, this Grade II listed pub offers an elegant setting for a wedding reception, with a tasteful balance of old and new design. The beautiful Elder Rooms, named after the building’s architect John Wood the Elder, overlook Bath’s renowned Parade Gardens, creating a stunning backdrop for your celebrations.
In the heart of Bath is an enduring 1930’s cinema that offers a more intimate, informal wedding. With art deco aesthetics, you get a unique day tailored to you including vintage tickets, popcorn and use of the screen. Two spaces are on offer, seating either 110 or 65, both with their own quirks to help make your day memorable.
The Little Theatre Cinema, St. Michael’s Place, Bath, Somerset BA1 1SF Tel: 01225 330803 Email: littleweddings@picturehouses.co.uk Web: www.littleweddings.co.uk
The Huntsman, 1 Terrace Walk, North Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LJ Tel: 01225 482900 Email: huntsman@fullers.co.uk Web: www.huntsmanbathpub.co.uk
Steve Lee Photoworks
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The Bath Brew House If you’re looking for something a bit different, The Bath Brewhouse offers some versatile spaces to celebrate your wedding in style. You can choose from the intimate Tank Room, the Old Skittle Alley or Brewery Area and even their colourful garden to make sure your event is perfect for you and your guests. Each setting can host sit down meals or for a more informal event, they can provide a standing event with drinks and nibbles.
Get in touch and one of their team will help you create the perfect celebration.
The Bath Brew House, 14 James Street West, Bath BA1 2BX Tel: 01225 805609 Email: info@thebathbrewhouse.com Web: www.thebathbrewhouse.com
The Bath Brew House
All Saints Centre All Saints Centre is a quality wedding reception venue where you can create a truly bespoke event. Their Weston Suite is a beautiful space for hosting receptions of up to 150 guests. Presented to you as a blank canvas, this is a DIY wedding dream come true. They allow you to decorate the hall as you would like and you can bring in your own caterers.
All Saints Centre, High Street, Weston, Bath BA1 4BX Tel: 01225 470171 Email: info@allsaintscentre.org.uk Web: www.allsaintscentre.org.uk
All Saints Centre
The Bird The Bird is a beautiful Georgian townhouse located in the heart of Bath that overlooks the dazzling Bath skyline, with uninterrupted views of Bath Abbey and the Recreation Grounds from their alfresco Garden Terrace. The Bird has a unique glass room located in the restaurant, that can be broken down into two delightful spaces. Perfect for smaller celebrations for up to 20 guests, take both spaces for up to 40 or for larger soirées, take over the whole restaurant for up to 60 guests. The Bird also boasts 29 individually designed bedrooms from compact, Comfy Doubles all the way up to rather fabulous Deluxe Kings. Tel: 01225 580438 Email: events@thebirdbath.co.uk Web: www.thebirdbath.co.uk
The Bird
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Woods Restaurant With its Georgian elegance and warm informal atmosphere, Woods has created an enviable reputation as one of Bath’s best independent restaurants. This family run restaurant is a great venue for hosting Wedding receptions. The restaurant has seating for up to 100 guests, with the possibility to go to 120. Also in addition it has a Private Room for up to 36. Their extensive experience enables them to cater for all events and their personal service and dazzling food ensures you will have a celebration to remember.
Woods Restaurant, 9-13 Alfred Street, Bath BA1 2QX Tel: 01225 314812
Email: woodsinbath@gmail.com Web: www.woodsrestaurant.com
Woods Restaurant
Browns Bath With a prime location next to the registry office and overlooking Bath Abbey, the beautiful Browns Bath is a historic listed building with luxe interiors, high ceilings, large windows and spacious terrace – a stunning backdrop to celebrate your special day. They offer full hire for up to 120 guests, or a private upstairs room with function bar for up to 75 guests. With menus ranging from three course feasts to buffets and canapés, they serve fresh seasonal dishes and classic British cuisine, bespoke gluten free menus and an extensive list of wine, Champagne, cocktails and softs.
Simply get in touch and their expert team will help you plan the perfect event.
Browns Bath, Old Police Station, Orange Grove, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LP Tel: 01225 461199
Email: bath@brownsrestaurants.co.uk Web: www.browns-restaurants.co.uk
Browns Bath
The Drawing Rooms The Drawing Rooms is a uniquely quirky venue hidden above the streets of Bath, and just moments away from the Guildhall. It offers a truly intimate setting across two floors of a Georgian townhouse for up to 80 guests and their small and friendly team promises to help you tailor a very personalised experience for your wedding celebration. The venue is flexible with caterers and fully licensed until 2am for those who want to enjoy a dance into the late night.
Simply get in touch and their expert team will help you plan the perfect event.
The Drawing Rooms Beau Nash House, 19 Union Passage, Bath BA1 1RD Tel: 01225 580552 Email: hello@thedrawingrooms.co Web: www.thedrawingrooms.co
Antonia Grace Photography
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Flowers of Bath Flowers of Bath offer a very personal and bespoke wedding flower service. They provide beautiful blooms for both intimate weddings that require just a bouquet or buttonhole to large lavish weddings needing the full works.
They offer delivery in the Bath area or collection from their beautiful flower shop in Larkhall, Bath.
Contact Flowers of Bath to organise a consultation or drop them an email and they can send over a quotation for your wedding flowers. Follow them on instagram to keep up to date with lots of gorgeous wedding florals @flowers.of.bath.
Flowers of Bath, 3a Upper Lambridge Street, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RY Tel: 01225 920884 Email: flowers@flowersofbath.co.uk Web: www.flowersofbath.co.uk
Albert Palmer Photography
Amy Sanders Photography
Steve Lee Photoworks Steve photographs the connection between people, especially when they smile at each other rather than at the camera. When a bride and groom are touching each other’s faces, holding hands, they gaze into each other’s eyes. All of these genuine emotions are captured and remembered forever. He works with the camera-shy as well as confident couples. Creates beautifully lit images by using a little direction and catching fun moments which unfold during your special day.
His style is relaxed, natural & creative. If you feel a connection with Steve’s work - Get in touch for an informal chat.
Steve Lee Photoworks Bath & Somerset Wedding Photographer, travels throughout the South
West UK & beyond. Tel: 07821 713222
Email: steveleephotome@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.steveleephotoworks.com IG: @steveleephotoworks
Steve Lee Photoworks
Heart Full of Tea Emma is the owner at Heart Full of Tea and she lives in beautiful Bath with her sleepy tabby cat Chewbacca and a crazy rescued lurcher called Dax. If you get the references of the pets names, then you’ll be bound to be her type of couple! Emma comes from a background of graphic design, having a slight obsession with fonts and any type of stationery goods! Emma has been shooting weddings for over 10 years and it’s a combination of all her passions. Her photography style is a bit geeky, fun, relaxed and candid. Emma absolutely loves her home city of Bath and her job. Emma shoots a limited number of weddings a year to keep her eyes fresh and give the couples that book, her time. Emma is always really keen to get to know you both so on your wedding day, she’s like a friend with a camera!
Email: emma@heartfulloftea.com Web: www.heartfulloftea.com IG: @heartfulloftea FB: facebook.com/heartfulloftea
Heart Full of Tea
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 19
Chauffeur Travel Bath Ltd – Luxury Wedding Cars Let Chauffeur Travel turn your wedding day into a luxurious journey. Their beautifully dressed vehicles and professional chauffeurs will ensure the perfect way to arrive for your special day. They can accommodate all elements - Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Family Members and more… So leave the stress of transport behind and let them be an integral part of your magical experience.
Tel: 01225 463404 Email: enquiries@chauffeurtravel.co.uk Web: www.chauffeurtravel.co.uk FB: chauffeurtravelbathltd
Chauffeur Travel Bath Ltd
Abacus Wedding Cars Abacus Wedding Cars are a Bristol wedding car hire company who pride themselves on providing a professional first class service, tailored specifically to each of your individual needs, ensuring your wedding day is truly memorable for all the right reasons! Once your wedding car hire booking has been confirmed, you can cross ‘wedding car’ off your list and rest assure that your wedding car requirements are in safe hands. Their chauffeur will be fully uniformed and pride themselves on always being there in plenty of time, ensuring your journey is both stress free and relaxing. Get in touch to have a look around the showroom where they have Imperials, Bentleys, Rolls Royce, Beauford & Mercedes. They can’t wait to be part of your special day.
Abacus Wedding Cars
Tel: 0117 957 1222 Mob: 07587 136967 Email: info@abacusweddingcars.com Web: www.abacusweddingcars.com
Heart Full of Tea
20 BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET REGISTER OFFICE
The Cake Architect Bespoke cakes with precision and flair
The Cake Architect designs unique and awe-inspiring cakes for every occasion.
All of their wedding cakes are designed with you to create the perfect bespoke showstopper for your big day. From luxury white wedding cakes to a rustic naked cake adorned with fresh flowers, they will guide you through the whole process and bring your ideas to life.
Get in touch to start your wedding cake journey!
The Cake Architect, 36 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1JX Tel: 01225 378867 Email: info@thecakearchitect.co.uk
Web: www.thecakearchitect.co.uk FB: facebook.com/cakearchitect IG: @cake_architect
The Cake Architect
Buffalo Tipi Buffalo Tipi stock the finest event tipis, furniture and lighting for hire. They also provide you with a comprehensive and creative event planning framework. This end-to-end service takes you through the planning journey to make sure everything is covered and that you’re ready, whatever the weather.
Buffalo Tipi Tel: 01225 585586
Email: hello@buffalotipi.com Web: www.buffalotipi.com
Buffalo Tipi
Bath Spa Florists Located in Widcombe behind the Bath train station. Bath Spa Florists have a large team of qualified florists offering a free consultation, to help create your perfect day within Somerset. They cater for all types and styles, from small intimate to big estate weddings. Planning a wedding can be hard and stressful so let them take away some of the stress by advising and helping you create your perfect wedding flowers.
Bath Spa Florists
Tel: 01225 460121 Email: bathspaflorists@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.bathspaflorists.co.uk
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 21
Steve Lee Photoworks
INDEPENDENT CELEBRANTS, OTHER CEREMONIES AND LEGAL NOTES Bath Celebrants – our independent celebrant service We can include almost everything you could wish for in our legal ceremonies (except handfasting and blessings) just ask us! However, if you would like to include these elements that cannot be incorporated into a legal ceremony we have a fantastic team of dedicated and experienced celebrants who can help you to create your perfect day. Almost all of our registrars also work as independent celebrants and have each conducted hundreds of ceremonies. Guided by you, we will create a ceremony that truly reflects your choices. As our celebrants are part of a team you can be assured a comprehensive and fully supported service of excellence. They are all able to advise you about the legalities of marriage and civil partnership as well as creating your day, your way. Your venue does not need to be licensed if using a Bath Celebrant. We can conduct ceremonies at a venue of your choosing, either in Bath and North East Somerset or elsewhere. Please call us on 01225 477234 to discuss. Dual Ceremonies Dual ceremonies provide the opportunity for couples to have a short legal ceremony either at our offices at the Guildhall or at an approved venue in Bath and North East Somerset either proceeded or followed by a celebratory ceremony at a venue and date of your choosing. As it is not a legal ceremony the celebratory ceremony can include elements that are not permitted in a legal civil ceremony, such as hand fasting and blessings. Our staff will work with you to help make your ceremony everything you want it to be.
Naming Ceremony When a child is born, parents often feel the need for a special occasion to gather their families and close friends to welcome the child into the family. The civil naming ceremony has no religious content and no legal significance. Each ceremony is designed to meet the individual needs of the family and includes words of welcome to the child and promises of commitment by the parent(s), mentors or guiding parents, or grandparent(s). The ceremony can also be tailored to welcome an adoptive child or step-child into a new relationship and family unit. Renewal of Vows This is a ceremony for a couple who wish to renew their vows: either to celebrate a special anniversary, or where they now wish to renew their commitment to each other. Some couples who have married or formed a civil partnership abroad may choose to renew their vows before their families and friends. It has no legal standing so we can work with you to make your ceremony bespoke. Legal notes Your ceremony cannot go ahead unless the legal formalities have been completed. The fees for giving notice and for a marriage or civil partnership in a register office are set nationally. However, the fees for the attendance of registration staff at a marriage or civil partnership in a licensed room or at an approved venue are set by the local authority. We will give you details of current fees on request.
There can be no religious content in a civil marriage, civil partnership or conversion ceremony.
Our commitment The team at Bath and North East Somerset are committed to achieving high standards of excellence in public service and we positively welcome feedback from our customers. Your comments and views are always welcome.
22 BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET REGISTER OFFICE
Heart Full of Tea
Heart Full of Tea
Steve Lee Photoworks
Steve Lee Photoworks
Steve Lee Photoworks
How to contact Bath and North East Somerset Register office Bath and North East Somerset Registration Service, The Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW.
Bath Register Office would like to thank Heart Full of Tea, Rich Howman, Amy Sanders Photography, Amber Louise Photography, Megan Donati Photography and Steve Lee Photoworks for their kind permission to use their work throughout the guide.
Tel: 01225 477234 Email: register_office@bathnes.gov.uk Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk
Front cover: Megan Donati Photography Back cover: Steve Lee Photoworks
Opening Hours - Monday and Tuesday 9:00am to 4:30 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 4:30pm, Friday 9:00am to 4:00 pm. For ceremony enquiries, or to arrange an appointment to give notice of marriage or civil partnership at Bath and North East Somerset Office please telephone 01225 477234.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is not able to endorse any businesses advertising within this publication.
Compiled, designed and printed by Pineneedle Design Ltd. Tel: 020 8870 0968 Fourth edition.
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET CEREMONIES GUIDE 23
Bath and North East Somerset Registration Service The Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW
Tel: 01225 477234 Email: register_office@bathnes.gov.uk Web: www.bathnes.gov.uk
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