Community directory

How you can personalise your ceremony

Whether you choose a Register Office or an Approved Venue, there are many ways in which we can help to make your ceremony meaningful and personal to the two of you.

Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

Music can play a very important part in your ceremony. Each Register Office has a sound system which can play CDs, and has a selection for you to choose from. Alternatively you may provide us with music that has a special meaning for you and of course this can include live music. Whatever your taste, the right selection will add to your enjoyment and fund of memories. To help you make this important selection Hertfordshire Registration Service offers a superb, specially recorded CD "Classical Music for your Civil Ceremony" This will give you the chance to try out a variety of pieces for their length, dramatic effect, or "emotion value" in the comfort of your own home. The cost of the CD including postage and packing is £8. Please send your order to any Register Office accompanied by a cheque payable to Hertfordshire County Council.
Music can be played while your guests are arriving, as you walk into the Ceremony room, when you are signing the register or schedule and again for your exit from the ceremony room.

Another way to make the ceremony more personal is to include reading(s). You could choose one of your guests to read or alternativly you could ask the celebrant to read it for you. You can use your own piece of poetry or prose but, for legal reasons, this must not be religious. We have a selection of suitable readings which you may wish to choose from.

Approved venues often provide the perfect back-drop to themed ceremonies because of their different histories and architectural styles. The event organiser in each venue will be delighted to discuss the various arrangements that can be made to make your day extra special.