Community directory

On Your Wedding Day

ARRIVAL

You will already be familiar with the layout of the place where your marriage will take place and have made arrangements to meet the Registrar prior to the ceremony. The Registrar must see you both privately before the wedding to check the information that will be entered in the marriage register. This will include your full names, age, marital status, occupation and current address, together with the names of your natural or adoptive father and his occupation. A stepfather may be entered in the register if he is married to the mother. Very often, the bride and her escort will arrive after the groom and the wedding guests have assembled in the ceremony room. Do let the Registrars know if you wish to make this style of entrance.

WITNESSES

The law requires that you are accompanied by at least two credible witnesses at your wedding. They may be relatives, friends or colleagues who must be able to speak and understand English and be old enough to appreciate the significance of what they are witnessing.

THE CEREMONY

Your ceremony should be dignified - and enjoyable! A memorable occasion for you both and for those you choose to invite. The Registrars are there to help and guide you through all you have to do - leave the worrying to them! Everyone is encouraged to personalise their ceremony in some way and we will provide you with examples of extra vows you can choose from or even inspire you to write your own! Please ensure any enhancements to your ceremony have been agreed well in advance of the day by the Superintendent Registrar.

SIGNING THE REGISTER

Once the marriage is over, the Registrar will complete the marriage entry and then you and your witnesses must sign the register. The bride will have to sign in the name by which she was known before the ceremony. At the close of the ceremony the Registrar will present the marriage certificate - traditionally to the bride. If you would like extra copies of your marriage certificate please tell the Registrars before the day of your wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS

We are happy to allow photography in the ceremony room at specified times. The Superintendent Registrar will explain any rules to you. At the end of the ceremony there will be time for photographs including poses of you signing a Register.

If you would like someone to make a video recording of your ceremony, please consult the Superintendent Registrar on camera positions.

CONFETTI

Most places will permit the use of confetti but do ask first if there are any restrictions. At a Register Office please remember that there may be other couples getting married on the same day as you and therefore, in order to keep the room attractive and tidy, please ask guests to wait until you are outside the building before they shower you with confetti!