Which is the only county in England to be completely surrounded by water? Which county can offer you a memorable Wight wedding whatever your choice of ceremony? Welcome to the Isle of Wight. It lies just off England’s south coast, but no passport is needed for the short sea crossing – and once you’ve landed everything is within easy reach. This diamond-shaped island has a magic all of its own – and is one of the UK’s sunniest and warmest places. We trust you find this brochure helpful and informative. Whatever type of ceremony and venue you choose, we hope your big day is one you will cherish and remember with much love and happiness.
ISLE OF WIGHT Ceremonies Guide
2 isle of wight ceremonies guide
WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT CEREMONIES GUIDE
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 3
IT’S A NICE DAY FOR A…
Which is the only county in England to be complete- ly surrounded by water? Which county can offer you a memorable Wight wedding whatever your choice of ceremony? Welcome to the Isle of Wight. It lies just off England’s south coast, but no passport is needed for the short sea crossing – and once you’ve landed everything is within easy reach. This diamond-shaped island has a magic all of its own – and is one of the UK’s sunniest and warmest places. One of the most beautiful parts of Britain and just 25 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Wight boasts 13 award winning beaches, unspoilt and spectacular scenery and a rich historical heritage. More than half the Island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with over 500 miles of public footpaths and bridleways, whilst almost 30 miles of the seashore has been designated as Heritage Coast. It is a county which offers a host of attractions including motorway free countryside, breathtaking views, manor houses, vineyards, working water mills,
steam railways and, of course, Queen Victoria’s royal residence. Discover picturesque villages, spectacular cliffs, downland, sandy beaches, rich farmlands, creels, marshland, river valleys and a rich diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna. As well as having a civil marriage or partnership in the Register Office there are a number of Approved Premises on the Island. These premises are licensed by the Isle of Wight Council, under the Marriage Act 1994 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004, to hold civil wedding ceremonies and civil partnership ceremonies. You could choose to have a sea view, beautiful grounds, or a village setting. The choice is yours and you can be assured of our assistance throughout. We trust you find this brochure helpful and informative. Whatever type of ceremony and venue you choose, we hope your big day is one you will cherish and remember with much love and happiness.
Superintendent Registrar and Registration Team
Top image, www.jasonmarkharris.com
4 isle of wight ceremonies guide
CIVIL MARRIAGE AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONIES A civil ceremony can take place at a Register Office or other venue approved by the local authority (hotel or stately home, for example). You may choose to have your marriage or civil partnership celebration at any Register Office or Licensed Venue in England or Wales. However, for a ceremony in a Licensed Venue, you will also need to make arrangements with the venue in question. There are fees (which are set by the individual local authority) payable for registrar attendance at your ceremony, both at a Register Office and at a venue. In addition you will both need to give formal notice of marriage or civil partnership in the district where you both live. Religious Ceremonies If you wish to have a religious ceremony in a Church of England or Church in Wales, you should speak to the vicar about the arrangements. If you wish to have a religious ceremony in any other denomination of church, you should first arrange to see the minister or
other person in charge at the building to discuss your requirements, before contacting your local Register Office to complete the legal preliminaries.
www.jasonmarkharris.com
isle of wight ceremonies guide 5
Legal Formalities Unless you are celebrating in a Church of England or a Church in Wales, you will both be required to attend personally at the Register Office for the district(s) in which you both live to give a notice of marriage or civil partnership to the Superintendent Registrar. Both of you must have lived in that registration district in England or Wales for at least eight days immediately before your notice appointment. If you both live in the same district, you should ideally attend your local Register Office together to give notice. If you live in different registration districts, then each of you will need to give notice in your own district, preferably no more than seven days apart. If either of you are subject to immigration, then you will need to attend together at one of the register offices. A fee will be charged for making a provisional booking – this is a non-refundable fee and allows you to provisionally book a date and time in our diary. You will be required to give notice of your intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership and documents will need to be produced – information on the
acceptable documents will be listed on your provisional booking letter or email. A statutory fee is payable to give notice and you will need to make an appointment by calling 01983 823233. After giving your notices, you must wait at least a further 28 clear days before the ceremony can take place. For example, if the notices are given on the 1 st July, the ceremony can take place on or after the 30 th July.
Further details of how to give notice of marriage or civil partnership can be found on our website – www.
iwight.com/registrars/. Please Note
Your ceremony cannot go ahead unless the legal formalities have been completed. You and your partner must give notice in person – no one can do so on your behalf. Where a provisional booking for a ceremony has been made, it is essential that formal notice is given within the timescale requested by the Register Office to ensure that your booking remains secure.
6 isle of wight ceremonies guide
ON THE DAY Arrival
Number of Guests Of course, in addition to your witnesses, you may wish to invite your family and friends to your celebration. Each ceremony room will be licensed for a particular number of guests and you must adhere to these numbers as they are laid down according to fire regulations (photographers and videographers are included in this number). No extra guests are permitted to stand in the ceremony room, unless stated. Please note that any children over two years old are counted as individual guests and must be included in your overall numbers. Recording the Event A photograph album is a very special memento and we are happy to allow photographs at particular points during the ceremony. A single video recording is also permitted, but please inform the Superintendent Registrar beforehand. The equipment should be battery operated (unless you have a special arrangement with the Licensed Venue) as the Registration Service cannot provide any power source and will not accept responsibility for damage or loss to equipment whilst on any premises. The recording may only be made using the lighting already present in the ceremony room (no additional filming lights are permitted) and the operator must remain stationary throughout the ceremony.
You will be given an information pack once your notices have been given, which will give details of what time you both need to arrive at your venue on the day. You are both required to be ready for a pre-ceremony interview by the registrar before your ceremony can begin – this interview is essential to ensure that all of your personal details are correct on the day for the registration of your marriage or civil partnership. Your guests will be seated whilst this interview is taking place and so it may be useful for you to appoint an usher who can help co-ordinate this. It is very important that you and your guests arrive in plenty of time – it is probable that the registrars will have other ceremonies to attend on the same day and so we are unable to delay the start of your celebration so that we do not risk being late for any other couple’s booking. If you are late for your ceremony, we may not be able to proceed as planned, so to avoid any disappointment, please make sure that you have allowed enough time to get ready and arrive at the venue calmly and promptly. Witnesses On the day of your ceremony, the law requires that you bring with you at least two other people who are prepared to witness your celebration and sign the marriage register or civil partnership schedule. They may be relatives, friends or colleagues who are able to speak and understand English, as they must be able to comprehend what is taking place and testify to what they have seen and heard.
DK Photography Isle of Wight, www.dkphotography.org.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 7
Parking The amount of parking varies according to where you have chosen to hold your ceremony. Please discuss what is available with the venue you have chosen. Confetti Confetti is a traditional part of any marriage or civil partnership celebration. We understand this and would simply ask that you check with your chosen venue as to what restrictions they may have regarding where it can be used. At the Register Office, we are happy for your guests to use confetti once outside in the grounds. Interpreter It is essential that both you and your two witnesses fully understand the content of your marriage or civil partnership ceremony, and therefore the full legal implications of such a celebration. If there are any language difficulties, you must provide a suitable interpreter to attend with you who will sign a declaration to confirm that they have translated all content for you, and are satisfied that you understand the nature and purpose of the ceremony.
Fees and Other Information
A non-refundable booking fee is payable for all ceremony bookings. In addition there are legally set fees for giving notice of marriage or civil partnership and additional costs for the attendance of registrars at your ceremony. You will be advised of these costs when you first make your booking; alternatively they can be found on the Isle of Wight Register Office section of the Isle of Wight Council website at: www.iwight.com/registrars/ Cancellation Policy In the event that you need to cancel a ceremony, you will be required to notify us in writing. If you cancel; u more than eight weeks before the ceremony date, you will receive a full refund (excluding non-refundable booking fee and notice fees). u between four and eight weeks before the ceremony date, you will receive a 50% refund (excluding non-refundable booking fee and notice fees). u less than four weeks before the ceremony date (or failure to cancel), there will be no refund.
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
8 isle of wight ceremonies guide
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Declaratory Words: “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ……… may not be joined in matrimony to …………” (traditional since 1837)
During your ceremony, you are required to exchange legal vows in order to contract your marriage with each other. You will repeat the vows after the registrar, who will break them down into small sections. The Ceremonies Coordinator will provide you with a script from which to build your preferred ceremony; you can decide to include personal vows/promises to one another. The Ceremonies Coordinator will be happy to consider the additional words that you may wish to say. Although the legal declaratory and contractual words must be said in full and cannot be changed in any way, you have a choice of three different vows to use in your ceremony, depending on your preference. Please complete your choices on your marriage checklist so that your registrar knows which to include.
OR
“I declare that I know of no legal reason why I ………… may not be joined in marriage to …………” (modern version)
OR
by replying “I am” to the question “Are you ……… free lawfully to marry …….….” (short ceremony) Contracting Words: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I ………… do take thee ………… to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.” (traditional since 1837)
OR
“I ………… take thee …………… to be my wedded wife/husband.” (revised version)
OR
“I ………… take you ………… to be my wedded wife/husband.” (short ceremony)
DK Photography Isle of Wight, www.dkphotography.org.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 9
CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY
You’ll need to provide two witnesses to sign the schedule. You can also personalise the ceremony in the same way as marriage ceremonies, with your own vows, exchange of rings, music and readings. Our team will be happy to give you guidance and support in planning the right ceremony for you both. CONVERTING A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP TO A MARRIAGE Couples who previously formed a partnership can now convert it to a marriage. This can either be a simple administrative process with no need for witnesses, or you can plan a full ceremony with friends and family to mark the occasion. The choice is yours. You will be treated legally as having been married from the date of the original partnership. The cost is normally the same as a simple or full marriage ceremony, as appropriate. Check our website for current prices. The government are currently consulting on conversion options for converting a marriage to a civil partnership. We’ll update our website as soon as an announcement has been made.
Civil Partnerships are now available to both same and opposite sex couples, with the law enabling opposite sex couples to choose this route being enacted in December 2019. Originally, civil partnerships were introduced to enable same-sex couples to form a legal commitment to each other. While civil marriages are now available to all, some couples may prefer to form a partnership. The process is very similar to getting married, but the form of words used is slightly different. You will sign the civil partnership schedule instead of the marriage register, and you do not need to repeat the vows aloud if you don’t wish to. It’s a simple legal formality that grants rights similar to those of married couples. The partnership ceremony can take place at any register office or approved venue in our directory. You need to give notice in the same way as couples intending to marry and provide the same identity and legal documentation. Do ask our team if you have any queries about what is needed.
Top image DK Photography Isle of Wight, www.dkphotography.org.uk
10 isle of wight ceremonies guide
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 11
ST CATHERINE’S ROOM
If you wish to have a slightly larger ceremony within the register office, you now have the opportunity to get married in our newly renovated Civil Ceremonies room. A light and airy room, decorated in classic cream and navy, this room is a lovely backdrop for your ceremony and is surrounded by ample park land for those special photos. This room seats the bride and groom plus 12 guests (this includes children under 2 years old). The room can also be used for renewal of vows, naming ceremonies and citizenship ceremonies.
12 isle of wight ceremonies guide
PERSONALISING YOUR CEREMONY The most memorable celebrations are those with a personal touch – perhaps you could get family and friends involved by asking them to take a reading which means something to you and your partner – or write your own! Additionally, you could choose a piece of music that has special significance to you both to guarantee a unique and memorable atmosphere! Readings You may wish to include a short reading of verse or prose at your ceremony, which could be read by you or one of your guests. Readings cannot contain any religious content – neither can they be edited to leave out a religious reference. All readings must be approved by the Superintendent Registrar prior to your ceremony. All details of readings must be completed on this marriage checklist and copies sent into the Register Office prior to your ceremony for approval.
Music Music is an extremely popular enhancement to a ceremony, particularly when you have a favourite piece that has a special significance to you both. Music can be played whilst your guests are being seated, during your entrance, the signing of the register/schedule and as you exit the ceremony room. If your ceremony is at the Register Office you will need to supply your own music – we have a cd player and a docking station available (please check with us for compatibility). If you are holding your ceremony at a Licensed Venue, you should check what facilities they have for live and recorded music options: the duty to manage the music choices must be taken by the Licensed Venue. Please remember that you are not allowed any religious content in your ceremony, so we are unable to accept hymns or religious music such as some choral works/arias. All details of music tracks must be completed on the checklist and sent into the Register Office prior to your ceremony for approval.
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 13
CELEBRATORY WEDDING CEREMONY
Sometimes you just have a yearning to have and do something different… ‘your day, your way’. The Isle of Wight Register Office can you achieve this. Maybe you have always wanted to marry in a special place, on the beach, in your garden, by a lake, in the woods or anywhere else your dream takes you. Whilst you can only legally be married in a Licensed Venue or Register Office you can still make your wedding – your day, your way… How? There are a number of options. The only stipulation is that your legal ceremony must take place in a Licensed Venue or the Register Office before a bespoke celebration. This could be a week to a few days before. It can take place on the day itself; earlier in the day or just before your celebration. Your Celebration can then take place anywhere and in any style you wish… even including a religious element if you wished. Contact the Register Office and tell them you would like a Celebratory Wedding Ceremony and they will take a few details, following which a Registrar will contact you, arrange to meet you. We will work with you to bring your dreams and ideas to life; from the words used to the style of your ceremony and beyond…
www.jasonmarkharris.com
14 isle of wight ceremonies guide
CHANGING YOUR NAME ON YOUR PASSPORT It is common practice for a woman to take her married name after her wedding or for one or both partners to change their name(s) after a civil partnership ceremony. You should think carefully about whether you wish to change your name on your passport in advance of your ceremony date or whether you wait until you have returned from any honeymoon or foreign trip. This is because you should ensure that the name on your passport matches the name in which you have booked your travel. Even if you have your marriage or civil partnership certificate with you, some countries may not let you in and some travel companies may not let you board their flights if your name is different on your tickets than on your passport. You should check with your travel agent or the consulate of the country you plan to visit prior to making the decision to change the name on your passport in advance, particularly if visas are involved. If you decide to change your name on your passport (to your future married or partnered name) in advance of your ceremony, you can do so up to three months before the ceremony date. The Passport Office will cancel your old passport and issue you with a new one. But please note: the new passport will be dated to become valid on the day of your ceremony and therefore cannot be used before. Similarly, when the
Passport Office cancels your old passport, any visas on that passport may become invalid. To amend your passport before your ceremony, you need to complete a standard application form but also a form PD2 which you can obtain:
u from any Post Office that offers a check and send service
u from any regional passport office
u by calling the Passport Office adviceline on 0300 222 0000 who will send it to you
u by downloading it from the www.gov.uk website
There is also an accompanying leaflet (PD1) entitled ‘Passports for Newly Weds and Civil Partners’, which explains exactly what to do. After you have completed your section of the PD2 form, the Superintendent Registrar will also need to complete part of the form. Please take the form into the Isle of Wight Register Office during opening hours – you do not need to make an appointment and there is no charge for this service. If you decide to change your name on your passport after your ceremony when you have returned from any trip overseas, you need only complete a standard application form and send your marriage or civil partnership certificate to Passport Office with your application – form PD2 is not required.
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 15
RE-REGISTRATION According to law, a child’s birth will need to be re- registered if the parents have entered into a marriage or civil partnership with each other since the birth. At this time, a new birth record will be created showing the child as a child of the parents’ marriage or civil partnership, replacing the original registration and all future copy birth certificates will be issued from this new record. You do not have to return to the same Register Office where you originally registered your child’s birth, although it is preferable. The new birth record will still have to be entered in their registers, but if you have moved since your child was born, you can complete a re-registration appointment at the Register Office most convenient to your new location. That office will take all of the relevant information from you and forward it on your behalf to the Register Office holding the original birth entry for processing – this is
completed and signed the form, you will need to bring the child’s birth certificate and your marriage certificate to the appointment. If you have more than one child, you will need to complete an LA1 form for each child. Only one parent needs to attend the re-registration appointment (although both are welcome) and there is no charge for this service. The only cost that you will incur is if you wish to purchase a new, full birth certificate for your child which you will need for many official purposes, such as passport applications. For information relating to re-registration following same sex marriage, please call the Isle of Wight Register Office on 01983 823233 for advice. If you have any queries on re-registration, please call the Isle of Wight Register Office on 01983 823233. You will need to book an appointment to re-register your child or children at the Isle of Wight Register Office and it can only happen after your marriage or civil partnership ceremony has taken place – re-registration cannot be completed in advance.
called a declaration. Marriage
To complete the re-registration, both parents need to fill in a form LA1 which can be obtained from any Register Office in England or Wales, or can be downloaded from www.gov.uk. Once you have both
DK Photography Isle of Wight, www.dkphotography.org.uk
16 isle of wight ceremonies guide
RENEWAL OF VOWS CEREMONIES Are you about to celebrate that special milestone anniversary: twenty-five, forty or even fifty years of married life? Do you know somebody close to you, parents or grandparents, who have given you those years of love and support and you wish to help them celebrate a wonderful family occasion? There is no better way of acknowledging the day than preceding the anniversary party with a delightful ceremony to renew those treasured marriage vows. Maybe, as a younger couple, you held your marriage or civil partnership ceremony abroad in an idyllic tropical setting? Now that you are home and the photograph album has been shared with family and friends, perhaps you would like to relive the moment and let those closest to you witness the restating of your vows to each other and follow with a celebratory party at the venue of your choice. The Isle of Wight Register Office will be happy to assist you in making your arrangements and conducting just such a ceremony. Renewal ceremonies can take place at the Isle of Wight Register Office, at any Licensed Venue - where they can
host your ceremony and cater for your celebration, or at a suitable location of your choice. The renewal ceremony has no legal standing: this allows the freedom for each couple to create a unique celebration to suit their own particular requirements. Speeches, readings and music from your wedding may be given or played again, changes in your lives can be acknowledged allowing your children and/or grandchildren to contribute, and new promises may be made to reflect your plans for your continuing future together. Old rings may be rededicated or new rings exchanged, and to mark your ceremony a special commemorative certificate will be presented. If you would like to discuss holding a renewal of vows ceremony, please call us on 01983 823233 for more information and details of our availability or call in to the Isle of Wight Register Office.
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 17
NAMING CEREMONIES
choice of content will ensure that it is a truly unique celebration that you and your family will remember as your child grows older. Any parent, legal guardian or person with parental responsibility of the child may organise a naming ceremony. You can choose to hold the naming ceremony at any one of our licensed venues, at the Isle of Wight Register Office, or at a suitable location of your choice The ceremony will last approximately 20-30 minutes and is delivered by a member of the Isle of Wight Registration Service. A commemorative certificate will be presented to mark the event. If you would like to discuss holding a naming ceremony for your child or children, please call us on 01983 823233 for more information and details of our availability, or call in to the Isle of Wight Register Office.
A naming ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the birth of a baby or welcome adopted or stepchildren into your wider family circle. This secular ceremony is designed as an alternative to a religious celebration and has no legal standing, but it creates a special event at which to gather together family and
friends for a dignified but relaxed occasion. A naming ceremony;
u welcomes a new child or children into your family and enables you to express love, care and commitment to them in front of your family and friends.
u celebrates the name of a new child or children.
u enables supporting adults or grandparents to publicly promise to help and support your child or children as they grow up within our community. Our ceremony is designed to meet the individual needs of your family and you may choose to personalise it further by including a reading of verse or a suitable piece of prose. Every ceremony is different and your own
18 isle of wight ceremonies guide
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES
Swear Oath of allegiance.
Once an application to become a British citizen has been approved by the Home Office, each new citizen (aged over 18) is required to attend a ceremony in order to achieve citizenship status. The final part of the process of becoming a British citizen is to attend one of these special ceremonies. Group ceremonies take place each month in the Isle of Wight Council Offices, or alternatively, individuals can opt for a private ceremony. (An additional fee is charged for this). The ceremony formally welcomes new arrivals into the British family. It confers rights and acknowledges responsibilities. By definition, nationality means to have membership of a particular nation – in this case, the nation is the United Kingdom. At a citizenship ceremony, new citizens are required to make promises and swear or affirm an oath or allegiance to the sovereign that they will be faithful citizens. They must also make a formal and public pledge to be loyal subjects and observe the laws of this country. The ceremony concludes when new citizens are presented with their certificate of naturalisation. It is at this point that they become British citizens.
I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law. Affirm Affirmation of allegiance. I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law.
isle of wight ceremonies guide 19
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
your ceremony, you risk us not being able to proceed as planned which would be extremely upsetting, so please make sure that you allow enough time to get ready and arrive at the venue calmly and promptly! I don’t want to be seen by my partner/guests prior to the ceremony – is that possible? We conduct separate interviews at all of our venues and their staff are well-practised in keeping you hidden until the last moment. We will also endeavour to help you stay apart at our Register Office too, but due to the nature of our building, this is not always possible. You may wish to nominate a guest to liaise with the registrars at our offices to try and assist with the situation. Can my father walk me in and give me away? Yes, of course. You can choose how to start your ceremony, whether you wish to be walked in by a member of your family or whether you wish to enter together as a couple. You may also choose to be accompanied by bridesmaids or page boys – entirely up to you – just please indicate what you have decided on your checklist when you return it to the Ceremonies Coordinator.
How much will our ceremony cost and when do we have to pay?
The price of a ceremony is dependent on the day and location that you have chosen. Please contact the Isle of Wight Register Office where we will be happy to provide you with details, or visit our website: www. iwight.com/registrars/ A non-refundable booking fee will be taken at the first stage of booking your ceremony with the remaining balance for the registrars attendance becoming due eight weeks before the ceremony date.
Can one of us be ‘fashionably late’?
Unfortunately not. You must be ready to start your ceremony on time – we are unable to delay the start of your celebration as we will most likely be conducting other ceremonies after yours and we will not risk being late for another couple’s booking. If you are late for
www.jasonmarkharris.com
20 isle of wight ceremonies guide
What happens if I forget what I have to say in the ceremony?
Can a friend/family member write a reading for our ceremony? Yes, although the Superintendent Registrar must approve it prior to the ceremony, so please include it with your checklist. If they are writing it as a surprise for you, they can send it to us under separate cover, but it cannot be read at the ceremony unless it has been approved. Is there anything I need to avoid when writing my own vows or choosing music and readings? You are not allowed any religious content in your ceremony, so we are unable to accept hymns or religious music such as some choral works/arias. Similarly, you are not able to have readings from the Bible or any verse or prose that has religious connotations. All readings must be approved prior to your ceremony, so we will be happy to discuss any queries you have early in your planning.
You do not need to learn and remember the words you need to say at the ceremony. The registrar will ask you to repeat all vows after them, a few words at a time. I am worried that I may make a mistake in my vows or start to laugh or cry? We understand that these types of ceremonies are significant events in your life, that emotions run very high and you may be extremely nervous. If you make a mistake, the registrar will repeat what you need to say or help you correct the words. Please don’t be embarrassed – all of your guests are there to celebrate your special occasion with you and will not mind if you show some nerves or make a mistake. If you have a giggle or shed a tear, most of them will probably join you! Can we write our own vows? You must say the legal vows at your ceremony but you can choose to add some extra words, if you wish. You will need to have these approved by the Superintendent Registrar prior to the ceremony, so please return them with your checklist in plenty of time. You may also wish to print out personal vows on a card to hold and read from during the ceremony, as these vows will not be read by the registrar.
DK Photography Isle of Wight, www.dkphotography.org.uk
isle of wight ceremonies guide 21
Can members of our family be witnesses at our marriage/ civil partnership?
What if we need to cancel our ceremony – will we get any money back? The Registration Service has a detailed cancellation policy which will determine whether you are entitled to a refund - this depends on how much you have paid and how far ahead of the ceremony date you have cancelled. If you do need to cancel your ceremony, please contact us as soon as possible and we will advise you of your individual situation. The full cancellation policy can be found on our website: www.iwight.com/ registrars/. Can we have a ceremony outside? We license garden structures at some of our venues and some venues have suitable outside areas, which enable a ceremony to take place outside, weather permitting. Please contact us for further information on which venues have this option and the terms and conditions surrounding such bookings.
Your witnesses can be members of your family or you may choose friends. They must be able to speak English (as they must have understood the vows you exchange) and understand the nature and purpose of marriage and civil partnership. Can people take photos or videos of the ceremony? We suggest that you have one main photographer that takes official photographs during the ceremony although we request that the use of a flash is minimal. Similarly, it is possible for a video to be recorded, but please let the registrar know in advance so that they can make sure that the camera is in a good position. We will also allow time for guests to take some of their own photographs at the end of a ceremony, should you wish this to happen. Is there any particular way I have to sign the schedule? You will be asked to sign your usual signature on the schedule, as you would normally sign perhaps a cheque or application form. A bride will sign using the names and surname she had prior to the wedding.
www.jasonmarkharris.com
22 isle of wight ceremonies guide
Can we have a ceremony in our back garden?
Can I change my name on my passport before my ceremony? You can apply to change your name on your passport up to three months prior to your ceremony date by applying to the Passport Office and completing a PD2 form to accompany your application. Please ensure that the name on any of your flight/travel bookings and the name on your passport is going to be the same if you are going overseas after your ceremony – if they are different, you may be refused boarding onto aircraft or entry into another country. Can we write our own ceremony? No, we will do this. The Ceremonies Coordinator will provide the script for your ceremony which will not only include the legal vows, but also additional words that you can say to each other, for example at the exchange of rings. The ceremony will contain more detail than the framework printed in your ceremony guide (as this is just an outline) and will ensure that you have an enjoyable celebration as well as fulfilling all the legal obligations. If you would like to write additional personal vows to exchange, we will be more than happy to include them, provided they have been approved by the Superintendent Registrar before your ceremony and that they do not contain any religious content.
Currently, the law requires that a marriage or civil partnership ceremony must be held at a Licensed Venue, therefore this prevents the option to have a ceremony in your house (excluding those that qualify under the housebound section of the Marriage Act). The Isle of Wight Register Office conducts naming or renewal of vows ceremonies at those venues that hold a marriage and civil partnership licence, as well as at a suitable venue of your choice. Can we simplify the civil ceremony? We understand that you may be having another celebration and are happy to accommodate your wishes for a simplified or short ceremony. You must exchange vows and sign the register or schedule in front of your witnesses, but may choose to leave the exchange of rings and readings until your blessing. Please just indicate this on your checklist and we will alter our ceremony accordingly.
www.jasonmarkharris.com
isle of wight ceremonies guide 23
We would like our dog to be our ring bearer – is that permitted? Animals are not permitted to take part or to be present at any ceremonies held at the Isle of Wight Register Office or in the St. Catherine’s Room. The only exceptions are guide dogs or hearing dogs who may attend with their owners. A pet or animal cannot take an active role in a ceremony so cannot be a ring bearer or best man. Can our guests sing a song as part of the ceremony? You can include a song instead of a reading if you wish for either your guests to sing as a group or for one guest to sing for you. However, as with all content, it cannot contain any religious connotation (for example, you are not able to have a hymn) and must be approved by the Superintendent Registrar prior to the ceremony.
www.jasonmarkharris.com
24
Robbie Khan
New Holmwood Hotel
Enchanted Manor Enchanted Manor is a bespoke, mystical and magical venue devoted to love and healing hospitality. As every couple is unique, each wedding is tailor-made to the happy couple’s wishes, with personalised attention to detail, delicious vegetarian breakfasts & simple pleasures to warm your heart. Their signature wedding package is a two- night celebration on a bed & breakfast basis for 16 resident guests and offers three licensed ceremony options (wedding room, conservatory and garden). Enchanted Manor, St Catherine’s Point, Sandrock Road, Niton, Isle of Wight PO38 2NG. Tel: 01983 730233 Email: weddings@enchantedmanor.co.uk Web: www.enchantedmanor.co.uk Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 60 Accommodation 16
The New Holmwood Hotel is perfectly situated at Egypt Point, West Cowes enjoying panoramic views of the internationally renowned sailing waters of the Solent. They are proud to assist with planning and advice for your special day drawing on their 20 years of experience. Friendly and professional staff, the highest levels of cuisine and their purpose built ceremony room, the Commodores Suite, make them the perfect choice. New Holmwood Hotel, Queens Road, Egypt Point, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8BW. Tel: 01983 292508 Email: david.titley@newholmwoodhotel.co.uk Web: www.newholmwoodhotel.co.uk Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests 60 Accommodation 52
Sir Max Aitken Museum This famous pink building on Cowes waterfront provides a venue that is both unique and atmospheric, with the wonderful full-length balcony overlooking the Solent allowing additional space for your guests to relax and mingle; this also enables access from the water, tide allowing! The 18 th century former sail loft now houses Sir Max’s extraordinary personal collection of paintings, memorabilia, trophies and artefacts, to create a fabulous backdrop for your special day.
Sir Max Aitken Museum, The Prospect, 83 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AJ.
Tel: 01983 293800
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes
Email: sirmaxaitkenmuseum@gmail.com Web: www.sirmaxaitkenmuseum.org
Number of Guests up to 80
Accommodation No
25
Isle Click Weddings
Ventnor Botanic Garden
New Barn Farm New Barn Farm is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of rolling chalk down land, a few miles from both the Island’s northern and southern coastlines. If you want the ease of the ceremony and reception in once place, New Barn Farm has a separate Ceremony Barn which you can dress to make it into a unique venue. Then, you and your guests can celebrate in the beautiful rustic barn with a vaulted ceiling and ancient exposed timbers looking over the gorgeous gardens of the Georgian listed farmhouse. It really is a perfect county wedding setting.
Your wedding could be set in 22 acres of paradise bursting with exotic, rare and endangered plants at Ventnor Botanic Garden. A wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor locations for either a ceremony or reception with the option of spending your whole wedding day at the Garden. Small and large ceremonies and receptions can be catered for, from 15 to 400 people with 4 licenced spaces for ceremonies and use of four different reception spaces including the immersive New Zealand Garden.
The Birdham at Bembridge The Birdham’s dedicated team are committed to making your dreams a reality and supporting you from today until you say, ‘I do’. They aim to always provide a bespoke service to tailor to your every requirement and the team take personal pride in ensuring your wedding runs smoothly from start to finish. Set in the heart of the chic seaside town of Bembridge, our Edwardian hotel can provide an elegant and memorable day. The ceremony and reception rooms are beautifully lit with natural daylight, and with a neutral decor throughout they offer a clean canvas for all wedding colour schemes and needs. The Birdham can comfortably fit 90 guests at your ceremony and wedding breakfast, and a further 90 guests for your evening celebrations. They also have an abundance of AA 4* rated guestrooms in many different configurations, perfect for hosting your family and friends.
New Barn Farm, Sun Hill, Calbourne Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4JA.
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1UL.
Tel: 07920 780647 Email: newbarnfarmiow@gmail.com Web: www.newbarnfarmiow.co.uk
Tel: 01983 858048 Email: weddings@botanic.co.uk Web: www.botanic.co.uk
The Birdham, 1 Steyne Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5UH
Tel: 01983 872840
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 400 Accommodation 10 + Camping
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 130 Accommodation No
Email: weddings@thebirdhambembridge.co.uk Web: www.thebirdhambembridge.co.uk
Number of Guests 90 All day guests / 180 Evening guests
Accommodation 14 Rooms
26
Northwood House Iconic Northwood House in Cowes is one of the Island’s most popular wedding ceremony and reception venues. The historic grade II* listed manor, built in 1838, boasts a stately yet romantic charm, perfect for wedding celebrations. Operating as an independent Charitable Trust since 2010, this picturesque venue offers a range of affordable rooms of all sizes, with exceptional lawn space for marquee weddings too. Friendly, flexible and accommodating, Northwood House is highly respected across the Island for delivering exceptional wedding events. It certainly makes it a number one choice for Island and mainland-based couples looking for bespoke wedding packages.
Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8AZ.
Tel: 01983 293642 Email: events@northwoodhouse.org Web: www.northwoodhouse.org
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 200 Accommodation None
Lemontree Photography, www.lemontree-photography.co.uk
27
Pinkmead Estate & Vineyard Encapsulated by private woodlands, lakes and manicured lawns with unparalleled riverfront views Pinkmead Estate & Vineyard offers an award winning 24 acre dog friendly wedding venue in the heart of the Isle of Wight. Over flowing with character, nature and innovation every detail has been meticulously considered for guest enjoyment whilst framing and nurturing the unique wildlife that calls the estate home. Offering stunning interior design with hi-tech facilities, immersive woodland walks and an organic vineyard the estate has taken pride in perfecting a unique wedding experience. If bubbles and loafers in the perfect quintessential English setting is the ideal wedding, then this is certainly the venue for you. Sleeping 8 guests in residence and with an option to host a festival style TIPI village in the grounds there is an abundance of choice. Privacy and ease of travel is part of the package and the estate has a private jetty, security, a golf buggy and helipad too, phew! Having spent years sourcing the finest suppliers Pinkmead Estate is really proud to showcase world class talent developing the perfect balance of luxury and environment. With an outstanding reputation for delivering award winning residencies their dedicated team are on hand to make your day effortless and truly exceptional. Whether an extravagant or intimate ceremony your imagination is boundless yet if you wish to keep things simple the estate has created a guide for all budgets. Every wedding will have full exclusivity of the grounds including the organic vineyard where you can drink the latest harvest whilst walking the vines. Alongside full estate exclusivity there are four licensed locations for the ceremony including The Poetry Hut, The Studio and the Kitchen Garden which are more suited to smaller intimate gatherings or there’s The Boathouse and the Vineyard that can accommodate many more guests. Pinkmead Estate & Vineyard is a female owned family business and proud advocate of the LGBTQ+ family and are open to all to celebrate the glorious range of diversity in this world. They cannot wait to welcome you and discover the Isle of Wight’s newest wedding venue.
Pinkmead Estate & Vineyard, Werrar Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TU
Tel: 01983 212997
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes
Email: reservations@pinkmeadestate.co.uk
Number of Guests 100+ Accommodation Yes
Web: www.pinkmeadestate.co.uk
28
Jess Lyon Photography
The Wight Whether for a formal five course wedding breakfast or a laid back finger buffet, The Wight is famed for great value quality food. As they are licensed for civil ceremonies your wedding can be either completely “in-house” or just for the provision of your reception after a ceremony elsewhere. The Wight can give you as much or as little advice as you may require and their experienced team can work either with you or with your wedding planner to deliver exactly what you envisage for your special day. Whatever your budget, you will be surprised as to what can be achieved for you at The Wight. An AA **** Guest Accommodation.
Island Sailing Club The Island Sailing Club in the heart of Cowes offers a perfect location for boutique smaller weddings of up to 60 people. With stunning panoramic views of the Solent from the top terrace and marquee, it makes the perfect backdrop for your special day. The Club offers different dining options from 3 course sit down meals to BBQ’s. There is a wedding planner on site to help plan the big day from start to finish and their friendly staff are passionate about making your day all about you and your guests.
The Bargeman’s Rest Situated on Newport Quay, a few moments from the town centre is The Bargeman’s Rest. The Bargeman’s Rest offers a separate upstairs function room which caters for up to one hundred guests and has its own entrance, bar and dancefloor plus a large balcony which offers spectacular river views – perfect for summer weddings! This attractive quayside pub also boasts an extensive wine list and selection of local ales as well as a varied homemade menu which can be tailored to requirement for your special day.
Jess Lyon Photography
The Crown Inn The Crown Inn is a lovely family friendly pub that serves fresh food using the finest ingredients. With a large garden and a fresh water trout stream, it’s the perfect place to take some photos and relax and celebrate with your guests. Give them a call to see how they can help you.
The Wight, 11 Avenue Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 8BN.
Walkers Lane, Shorwell, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 3JZ.
Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7RE.
The Bargeman’s Rest, Little London, Newport PO30 5BS.
Tel: 01983 403722 Email: enquiries@wighthotel.co.uk Web: www.wighthotel.co.uk
Tel: 01983 740293 Email: Crownshorwell@hotmail.com FB: The Crown Inn - Shorwell
Tel: 01983 296621 Email: admin@islandsc.org.uk Web: www.islandsc.org.uk
Tel: 01983 525828 Email: info@bargemansrest.com Web: www.bargemansrest.com
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies No Number of Guests 60 Accommodation No
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests 60 Accommodation Yes
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 80 Accommodation 80
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 100 Accommodation No
29
Isle Click
Albert Cottage Albert Cottage is a former royal residence once owned by Queen Victoria and formed part of her beloved Osborne Estate. Now a stunning 10 bedroomed boutique hotel offering bridal couples the perfect venue for your special day with high quality, flexible dining options. You can give your wedding an extra special touch by having your ceremony in the beautiful grounds under the eaves of the fully licensed wedding Gazebo. The bar and large open terrace, together with the spacious restaurant and individually styled rooms offer your guests ample room to celebrate, be entertained and relax in stylish and elegant surroundings. If you have a larger wedding planned, there is plenty of space for a marquee holding up to 250 guests. There is an excellent range of menu choices and you can book the hotel exclusively for your special day, making it relaxed, fun but exclusively private. With its proud heritage, beautiful setting, stylish bedrooms and the highest quality of food and service, Albert Cottage is the perfect place for your very special day.
Yelf’s Hotel Yelf’s Hotel is registered for Civil Weddings. For many years Yelf’s Hotel has entertained and looked after thousands of guests celebrating their loved ones special day. Let Yelf’s Hotel take the stress out of planning your big day! Wedding packages are available 7 days a week from £999. Make an appointment with their Events Coordinator to discuss organising your wedding today. Yelf’s Hotel Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2LG. Tel: 01983 564062 Email: reservations@yelfshotel.com Web: www.yelfshotel.com Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes
Quay Arts This beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building is located in the centre of Newport, overlooking the Harbour. Combining historic charm and contemporary appeal, Quay Arts offers a choice of versatile spaces for your day. A dedicated, experienced team help make sure everything runs according to plan while the catering team always provide delicious, competitively priced, locally sourced food and drink for all diets and budgets. Get in touch!
Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD.
Albert Cottage, York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6BD
Tel: 01983 299309 Email: enquiries@albertcottage.com Web: www.albertcottagehotel.com
Tel: 01983 822490 Email: info@quayarts.org Web: www.quayarts.org
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 250 Accommodation 10 rooms (up to 23 people)
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Number of Guests up to 120 Accommodation No
Number of Guests 90 Accommodation Yes
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online