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If
you decide not to hold a religious ceremony, and prefer to have a civil
or register office wedding, there are some legal issues you must be aware
of.
We have listed the most important and relevant: |
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General
Advice & Information
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You can have a civil marriage ceremony at any Register Office or approved premises (hotel, castle etc.) in England and Wales. |
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Legally you cannot get married in the open air, for example in a marquee or private address. |
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Civil ceremonies cannot include any religious elements whatsoever. |
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Civil marriages may not be held in a building with any past or present connection with religion. |
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Should you wish to get married at an approved premises, you must liaise with the manager of the premises and the Superintendent Registrar, as the ceremony will be conducted by staff from the local Register Office. | |
Although you cannot have any religious elements in your ceremony, you can write your own vows or poems, choose readings and special music. These personal elements should be agreed in advance with the Superintendent Registrar. |
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For more details, please contact your local Register Office. |
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You must give Notice of Marriage, which is a minimum of 15 days before the marriage ceremony. |
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Registration
of Births, Deaths & Marriages |
Registration
of Births, Deaths & Marriages |
| Please call to make an appointment before visiting a Register Office | |