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FAQs: The Wedding Ceremony

FAQs: The Wedding Ceremony


Nikita Thorne Guides for Brides
Nikita Thorne Updated:
8th of March 2023

Planning a wedding is really fun! From choosing your ideal wedding venue to selecting your wedding flowers and menu tastings. However, the actual logistics of getting married can be a bit confusing, so we've answered some of your frequently asked questions to get you on the right track. 

How many witnesses do I need for my wedding?

You need at least two witnesses at your wedding ceremony. 

How many people sign the marriage schedule?

As of May 2021, the rules changed for how marriages and civil partnerships are registered in England and Wales. Instead of signing the register, you sign the marriage schedule. This is an official document and must be signed by you, your partner and your two witnesses. 

Do I have to pay to register my marriage?

Yes, you each need to pay £35 when you attend the register office to give notice of your marriage. You then need to pay an additional £46 if you marry at a register office, but this may increase if you're getting married at another venue.

Do I need to pay for a marriage certificate?

Depending on your registry district, marriage and civil partnership ceremony fees may include the cost of one certificate. However, if not or if you are needing more than one copy, certificates can usually be added at the time of booking for a small fee (usually around £11). We recommend couples obtain more than one copy of their marriage certificate just in case your first gets lost. Additionally, if you want to change to a new married name, you may require more than one copy to get this done quickly.

ceremony-bride-and-groom-pink-flowers

Do I have to exchange vows or can I get married without formal wording?

Vows or formal wording are essential to civil marriage ceremonies, but not necessary for civil partnerships. 

Can I have readings and songs in a civil ceremony?

In a civil ceremony, you can have music, readings and songs, but there can be no reference to anything religious. For this reason, hymns, religious songs and readings from any religious scripture are not allowed in a civil ceremony. 

Do I need to give formal notice of my wedding before getting married?

Yes, you must give 28 days notice of your plans to marry at your local register office. If you're planning on getting married abroad, you may still need to give formal notice. When you go to the register office to give notice, ensure that you take proof of your name, age and nationality (you may need a photo ID - check with your local office beforehand). When you give notice, you will both have to pay £35.  

What documents will we need to give formal notice of marriage?

You will need proof of identity and address in order to give formal notice of marriage. For those that live in the UK, this involves bringing the originals of the following documentation:

  • The finalised details of your ceremony venue.
  • a valid passport (or if you were born before 1 January 1983, you will need your UK birth certificate).
  • proof of your home address; this can be a valid driving licence, a utility bill from the last 3 months, a bank statement from the last month, your most recent mortgage statement, tenancy agreement (or letter from your landlord) or a council tax bill from the last 12 months.
  • if relevant, proof of any name changes (i.e. a copy of a deed poll).

If you or your partner were previously married or are not from the UK, you will need additional documentation. Please visit the government website for full details on the documentation you need to give notice.

When will I get my marriage certificate?

During your ceremony, you will have signed marriage schedule or document. This will be returned to your local register office where the marriage is registered digitally. After that, you will get your marriage certificate.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the UK Government website. Do you have a question that we haven't answered? Email info@guidesforbrides.co.uk and we'll do our best to answer it.

Nikita Thorne Guides for Brides

About the author


Nikita Thorne

Nikita is a wedding planning expert and newlywed having tied the knot in 2023. She is the host of Guides for Brides - The Wedding Podcast and regularly speaks at wedding industry conferences and national wedding shows to inform and inspire couples who are planning their big days. She keeps on top of the latest wedding trends in design and fashion and loves to see the new innovative ideas from wedding professionals across the country. If you need practical planning advice, Nikita has been through the entire wedding planning process, so is your best contact!

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