Church wedding ceremonies

Less than half of all UK couples get married in church, some because they don't usually go to church and feel it would be hypocritical to then get married in church, some because one of the parties to marriage is a divorcee and as such can't marry in church, and some because they prefer the convenience of a civil marriage in a venue of their own choice.

Churches have fought back over the past few years. Couples are no longer restricted to getting married in their local church, and, depending on the vicar discretion, you can get married in any church to which you can prove an association, for example the church where you grew up or regularly attended at a particular point in your life. Read more...

Civil ceremonies are carried out by a Registrar and an assistant, who documents the wedding. They can be held on any day of the week, although there are restrictions on time, in a registry office or a venue licensed for civil ceremonies.

More than 50% of UK couples have a civil ceremony.