Once you, your witnesses and your guests are seated the ceremony will begin with a welcome and explanation of the procedure by the registrar. The bride and groom will then be asked, in turn, to repeat a number of solemn declarations. These will include the choices you have made for your legal declarations and contracting words.

After you have made your marriage contract you and your witnesses sign the marriage register. The bride will sign in the name she was known as before the ceremony. Once this has been done both the registrars will sign the register and you will be presented with your marriage certificate.

After the presentation of the certificate there will be an opportunity for you to pose with the register to allow photos to be taken.

Civil Ceremonies can take place in a Registry Office or in a location that has been approved for Civil Ceremonies.  For further information on Civil Ceremony venues, click here.

• pre-arrival music
• entrance music
• welcome - presentation of the bride
• introduction - reading option
• legal statements
• legal declarations (to be selected from options)
• rings, promises and contracing words (see options for contracting words and suggestions for promises)
• reading option
• signing of register (signing music)
• photographs
• reading option
• presentation of the marriage certificate and conclusion
• exit music.

(You may substitute a reading for music)

To ensure the smooth running of your ceremony, it is important that you and your guests arrive 15 minutes before the time of your wedding.

During this time the registrar (who will be registering the marriage) will see the bride and groom privately to check the details which are to be entered into the marriage register. You may be seen together or separately, depending on your personal choice. You will then have the opportunity to ask any last minute questions.

After the checks have been made we can then proceed with your wedding ceremony.

Do not be late for your ceremony or the Registrar may not be able to proceed with your ceremony.

Registrars are very busy and will normally be attending several marriages in one day. Remember to make allowances for traffic delays, car parking and any pre-wedding photographs. Do inform your guests of this.

A selection of promises that you could use in your wedding ceremony.

• I promise that I will respect you as an individual, support you through difficult times, rejoice with you through happy times, be loyal to you always and, above all, love you as my wife/husband and friend.
• I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love and friendship, support and comfort, and to respect and cherish you throughout our lives together.
• I give you this ring as a token of my love and friendship.
• I give you this ring as a token of our love and marriage, as a symbol of all that we share and in recognition of our life together.
• I promise to love and respect you. Helping our love grow, always being there to listen. Comfort and support you, to respect and cherish you, throughout our lives together.
• I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage, and as a token of my love. I promise to care for you, to respect and cherish you, throughout our lives together.
• I give you this ring as a sign of our love, trust and marriage. I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love, friendship and support, and to respect and cherish you throughout our life together.
• I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and affection, wear it with happiness and pride – now and always.