Church Wedding & Civil Wedding Tips

Church Wedding

• i) You must check that the church is registered for “the solemnisation of marriage.” Most Anglican churches are but there are a few other, non-conformist churches that are not. In this case, a Registrar would need to be present. It is important to arrange a meeting with the leader of the church if you are unsure of what their requirement is. 

• ii) Before you get married, the Banns have to be read in the parishes where both you and your partner live. This takes place over three weeks during the three months before you get married. This will be discussed with you during a meeting with the church leader during which you will discuss the format of the service, The hymns that you wish to sing and the fees that you will have to pay. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

• iii) It is likely that you will have a rehearsal a week before your wedding day to ensure that everybody- the bridesmaids, the best man, your parents and of course, you- all know what it is you need to do on the day. You can take this opportunity to practise walking up the aisle in your wedding dress and also, the art of kneeling and sitting in it!

• iv) It is worthwhile checking with the minister where the church stands on the use of recording equipment during the service. Photography and/or video recording is not always allowed whilst the service takes place. It is also worth asking about the use of confetti. Some churches have banned the use of confetti entirely, others allow it to be thrown in a certain vicinity. It may be that the confetti has to be bio-degradable and is this is the case, you will need to inform your guests of this prior to the wedding day.

Civil Wedding

• i) A civil wedding is held in a Register Office or an approved venue. For any such venue, you will need to give “notice of marriage” at least 15 days before your wedding day. You will require proof of your  name, address, marital status and nationality. If you have been married before, you will need to show your Divorce Decree Absolute or Death Certificate of your former spouse. 

• ii) You can only book a Register Office a maximum of a year in advance since the notice of marriage only lasts for a year. Another venue can be booked further in advance and it is even possible to book some Registrars services also. However, you will still not be able to take out the notice of marriage more than one year before your wedding. 

• iii) Always make sure that your venue caters for the number of guests you are wanting. You don’t want the room to be too small or equally, too big for the number of  people attending. There may be limited space at the front of the wedding room so the number of bridesmaids may also have to be limited.

• iv) Bear I mind that any vows, poems, readings that you choose to have during the ceremony MUST be non-religious. Religious words or references cannot simply be edited out either. Your Registrar will be able to help you with ideas for readings if you get stuck! 

• v) Marriage abroad is of course an option also. You will have to make the arrangements yourself and you must check what the law is in the particular country that you wish to get married in. Many tour operators do offer wedding packages and so it is worth contacting them if you have a particular country in mind. They may be able to suggest the best venue and will of course already know whether the marriage would be legal! 

• vi) For church weddings, civil ceremonies or weddings abroad, it is worth considering taking out wedding insurance. This can cost as little as £60.00. Ok, so you have decided on the type of wedding you are having and where it will take place but what about the reception?

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