Marriage - ceremonies
Please arrive at the Register Office, using the ramped entrance
at least 10 minutes before your marriage appointment. Ensure that
you and your guests allow extra time for parking during busy
shopping periods. There is normally ample Pay and Display car
parking around the Town Hall.
The Registrar will see the bride and groom before the ceremony
to check the details that are to appear in the marriage register.
These will also include the full names and occupation of your
natural or adoptive fathers. A stepfather's name can not be
recorded in the register. Also at the interview, the fee for your
marriage will be collected. If the bride prefers not to see the
groom until the ceremony begins, she can be seen separately. If the
bride wishes to walk in with someone, for example her father and
bridesmaids, it would be appreciated if you could advise the
Register Office in advance of your wedding day.
The marriage ceremony will be conducted by the Superintendent
Registrar or an appointed deputy. After brief introductions, the
ceremony will proceed with the bride and groom being asked to
repeat the following solemn declarations before their family and
friends.
Declaratory words
Choice A
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment
why I (FULL NAMES) may not be joined in matrimony to (FULL
NAMES)
or
Choice B
I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (FULL NAMES) may
not be joined in marriage to (FULL NAMES)
Contracting words
Choice A
I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (FULL
NAMES) do take thee (FULL NAMES) to be my lawful wedded
wife/husband
Choice B
I (FULL NAMES) take you (FULL NAMES) to be my wedded
wife/husband.
These declarations constitute a short but meaningful ceremony
which fulfils the legal requirements. The choice of prescribed
wording has been extended further to include another version, which
is shorter. If you would prefer this, please discuss it with the
Superintendent Registrar.
All of our registration staff who conduct marriage ceremonies,
add their own personal style and enhancements when conducting
marriage ceremonies and the Rochdale registration service is
continually consulting with brides and grooms my means of user
satisfaction forms to improve the marriage ceremony.
Some people did feel that they would like a longer ceremony, so
one has been devised in which both parties being married say the
following words:
Longer ceremony
Choice C
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment
why I (FULL NAMES) may not be joined in matrimony to (FULL
NAMES)
I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (FULL
NAMES) do take thee (FULL NAMES) to be my lawful wedded
wife/husband. I promise to care for you, to give you my love and
friendship and to respect you and cherish you throughout the rest
of our lives together.
It is also possible for a short verse or poetry reading to be
read by the bride or groom or any other wedding guest during the
ceremony. If this is something you are considering, please consult
with the Superintendent Registrar BEFORE your wedding day.
Please note: 'Choice A' wording will be used during your
marriage ceremony unless otherwise indicated.
Exchanging of rings and signing of register
The giving and receiving of rings will normally form part of the
ceremony. The choice of one or two rings is left to the wishes of
the bride and groom.
After the personal declarations have been made, the
Superintendent Registrar will complete the concluding part of the
ceremony. The Registrar will enter you details in to the marriage
register. You will both be asked to check and sign the register
followed by your witnesses. Please check these details carefully,
as it will be difficult to make any corrections at a later date.
Please note that the bride signs in the name she was using, prior
to the ceremony.
Witnesses
You must bring at least two witnesses with you to be present
during the ceremony. They may be relatives or friends, but please
let them know in advance that you would like them to sign the
register with you.