These can either take place at a register office or
in a building approved by the local authority.
Register Office weddings last approximately half an hour, but you should arrive at least 30 minutes before  the ceremony. You will be able to choose music, have readings and personalise your vows provided there is no religious content and they are approved before the day of the marriage. Maximum numbers allowed at the ceremony vary dependent on the venue. 
The registrar sees the couple in private before the ceremony to ensure that the particulars to be entered in the register are correct.
There are no dress codes for register office weddings. It can be “best dress”, for example smart suits, or formal wedding attire. The bride can choose to walk into the room on the arm of her father, or whoever gives her away, and can be accompanied by her bridesmaids. The groom can select a best man and ushers. Liase with the superintendent registrar first.
In most areas, you can book your chosen register office up to three years in advance, but check first and remember to note the date you will give your Notice of Marriage.
 Since 1994, local authorities have been able to approve and licence premises for civil weddings. These include hotels, historic buildings, stately homes, banqueting suites, sporting venues and even moored boats. The local superintendent registrar officiates at the wedding, so you must check if he is available before making a booking with your chosen venue.
The fees for the registrar’s attendance, and the fees for each individual venue, are set by the local authority, so they can vary considerably. They may also vary dependent on the day of the week you wish to marry, Saturdays and Bank Holidays are usually more expensive.
The ceremony must not include religious music or words but you can write your own vows or have poetry or readings, but these must be authorised by the superintendent registrar at least a month before the wedding. Each person getting married must have a “Marriage Authority”: the documents to allow the marriage to take place.
A major advantage of “approved premises” is that you can have your ceremony and wedding at the same venue, making them a particularly good choice for winter weddings or, if your guests will be travelling from far and wide.
- What are the fees to book the venue for a civil wedding?
- Do the room hire charges include setting up the room for the ceremony?
- Are there any restrictions on photography, video and music during the ceremony?
- What is the maximum number of people for the wedding ceremony/reception?
- Is the superintendent registrar available on your wedding day?
The White Paper published in January 2002 proposes even greater flexibility over where a civil wedding can be held and also extends personal choices in the overall content of the ceremony. However, it is unlikely to come into effect for at least two years, probably longer.
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