Royal Borough Registrar Ceremonies Guide - Flipbook - Page 26
Can I get married in the Royal Borough if I
don’t live here?
Lots of couples from across the UK and abroad choose to
marry in this historic county. You can have a civil marriage
wherever you choose in England or Wales, but you must
both give notice in person of your intent to marry in the
Register Office in the district where you live. If you live
abroad but have been resident in the UK for at least 7 full
days, then you can give notice.
Should I get married in a Church/religious
building or have a civil ceremony?
Civil marriage is offered as a legal alternative to a religious
marriage. For that reason, we cannot include any religious
elements or readings. We are happy to hand over to someone
else before we depart e.g. a minister of religion at the end
of the ceremony who can guide you through a blessing. We
regularly attend venues where the couple are holding a large
religious ceremony and can conduct your civil ceremony as
part of the day.
Is a celebrant-led marriage legal?
in a Register Office or licensed venue at a separate time in
order to be legally married.
If you choose us to marry you, you know you will be legally
married there and then on the day!
How far ahead can I book the registrars?
You can book our services for any date in the current and
next financial year. Our fees and diaries for the following
financial year are released at the end of March each year,
and all the information around current fees and booking
date range are kept updated on our website.
Where will we sign the legal documents and who
can be witnesses?
The signing takes place in the ceremony room or outdoor
location you have chosen in front of your friends and family.
Witnesses can be friends, relatives or anyone who is over 16,
understands English and what marriage/civil partnership
represents. They do not need to bring ID. They will sign the
marriage or civil partnership schedule and the commemorative
certificate, and photographs can be taken during the signing
if you wish.
No, according to the marriage law of this country, a
celebrant can only offer a celebratory ceremony which
is not legally binding. You would additionally need to go
through legal preliminaries and a legal marriage ceremony
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