What is a civil ceremony?
A civil ceremony is a marriage without any religious context. In England and Wales, it can take places at a register office or a venue that has been approved for civil marriage.
How do I find an approved civil venue?
As well as register offices, approved premises include some stately homes, hotels, restaurants and even zoos. To find a location, contact your local council or search on the website of the General Register Office www.gro.gov.uk
What will the ceremony be like?
While a civil ceremony cannot have any religious content, the superintendent registrar will be able to tell you how to give your ceremony a personal touch. You may be able to include non-religious music and readings.
How do I organise my marriage?
When you decide to get married, you need to give notice of marriage at your local register office. If you plan to marry in a different area, you should also contact the register office in the district where you would like to marry. Your notices of marriage are displayed on the notice board of the register office for 15 days. Your notice is then valid for 12 months, during which time you can get married. You must both be 16 years or older, and you may require written consent if you’re under 18. You will need to show the superintendent registrar documentary evidence of your name, age and nationality, and a divorce decree absolute or death certificate if you have been married before. You’ll receive your marriage certificate straight after the ceremony.
I would like to get married in Scotland. Is the law the same as England and Wales?
In Scotland, you can also have a civil or religious ceremony. A civil marriage can take place at a register office or approved venue, and a list of approved venues can be obtained from the General Register Office for Scotland www.gro-scotland.gov.uk
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Useful contacts
General Register Office www.gro.gov.uk
General Register Office for Scotland www.gro-scotland.gov.uk
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