What will happen on the day of your ceremony
- Please arrive at the Register Office at least 10 minutes before the time of your ceremony. Ensure that you and your guests allow extra time for parking during busy shopping periods.
- You must bring at least 2 witnesses with you to be present during the ceremony. Witnesses have to be over the age of 16 and be able to speak and understand English. Please let them know in advance that you would like them to sign the register with you.
- The Registrar will see you both before the ceremony to check the details that will be recorded in your electronic marriage registration.
- You will each have the option to record the full names and occupations of up to 4 parents. If you wish to record more than one parent, please tell the Registrar the order you wish them to be listed. A parent is classed as:
- Mother – natural, adoptive or step-parent
- Father – natural, adoptive or step-parent
- Parent – this could be a second female parent or when legal parenthood has been transferred by a parental order
- If one party prefers not to see the other until the ceremony begins, the couple can be seen separately. If one party wishes to walk in with someone, for example father and bridesmaids, please advise the Register Office in advance.
- The ceremony will be conducted by the Superintendent Registrar or an appointed deputy. After brief introductions, it will proceed with the couple being asked to repeat their chosen vows.
- Choose your vows.
- The giving and receiving of rings can be included in the ceremony. Let the Registrar know on the day of your ceremony.
- After the vows have been made, the Superintendent Registrar will conclude the ceremony. The Registrar will ask you both to carefully check your details on the marriage schedule. You'll need to check these details carefully, as it will be difficult to make any corrections at a later date. Once you agree the details are correct, you'll each be asked to sign the schedule followed by your witnesses.
- You will not receive a marriage certificate on the day of the marriage. You can choose to collect your certificate or have this posted to you. It will be issued 5 working days from the date of your ceremony as the Register Office is required to add the details from the signed schedule to the electronic register.