A civil wedding is simply a legal marriage ceremony that isn’t religious. Most weddings in the UK are civil ceremonies.
There’s a few rules for how they have to be done. For example, they need to be conducted by a wedding registrar, who is an official with the legal authority to marry two people.
Here’s everything you need to know about civil weddings in the UK.
Contents
What is a civil wedding?
What’s the difference between a civil wedding and a civil partnership?
What happens during a civil wedding ceremony?
Are there civil wedding rites?
How do you register a civil wedding?
How to find a registered civil wedding venue
What is a civil wedding?
As we mentioned, a civil wedding is a non-religious, legal marriage. It comes with a few requirements:
- A registrar must perform the legal bit of the ceremony
- You need to be married in a venue that’s been approved for civil ceremonies by the local council (that is, the local council for the venue)
- There must be at least two witnesses at the ceremony
- You have to exchange vows if you’re getting married
- You need to give your local council notice that you plan to marry, at least 29 days before the ceremony. After you give notice, you have one year to get married—otherwise you have to give notice again
But aside from that, the day is really yours to shape as you please. You might choose to have a celebrant lead festivities before and after the ceremony, for example.
What’s the difference between a civil wedding and a civil partnership?
Both of these are legally-binding relationships between two people. But in the eyes of the law, a civil partnership is a different thing to being married. Think of them as two different checkboxes on a census form.
Civil partnership is an option for couples who want their relationship to be legally recognised without having to get married. It was originally introduced as an alternative to marriage for same-sex couples, before marriage equality was enshrined in law. Today, it’s available to everyone.
Rather than getting married by exchanging vows, with a civil partnership you sign a certificate. And instead of getting divorced, the relationship gets dissolved.
What happens during a civil wedding ceremony?
Civil wedding ceremonies are usually around 25-30 minutes long. Though many couples choose to add their own elements, like readings or songs, to the service. You can add whatever you like, as long as it doesn’t have any religious connotations.
Generally, civil ceremonies follow this running order: welcomes, legal declarations, the exchange of vows, and then the signing of a document called a “schedule”. Your witnesses, the registrar, you and your partner need to sign it.
The schedule is then sent to your local register office where they process it. You can then get your marriage certificate.
Are there civil wedding rites?
There are some set words you have to say, and actions you have to take, during a civil ceremony — like exchanging vows and signing your schedule.
But as long as your wedding meets the legal requirements and doesn’t involve anything religious, you can pretty much include whatever you like.
The traditions we might associate with weddings — the bride wearing white, being walked down the aisle — aren’t compulsory in a civil ceremony. You can do them if you want to, or you can leave them out entirely. It’s your day!
How do you register a civil wedding?
You’ll need to do two things: give notice at your local council at least 29 days before the ceremony and sign the schedule on the day.
Your local register office will then add the schedule to the marriage register. That’s it: after that, your marriage is officially on the record.
A marriage certificate is the legal record of your partnership. You can order one after the ceremony—it costs £12.50 (not including postage). And FYI: you only need one per couple.
How to find a registered civil wedding venue
Head to your local council’s website to find out which venues are registered within their area. Kindred is a registered civil wedding venue in Hammersmith and Fulham, for example.
There’s also a list on the UK government website.
It’s possible to get married at your local registry office, too. Each council will have their own prices and packages that vary in cost depending on the day and time of the ceremony.
Your wedding venue
Planning a civil ceremony? Kindred is a heritage West London wedding venue known for our unique interiors. Our building is an early 18th century mansion that’s been restored with a modern flourish. Think wood-panelled rooms and high, arched windows, plus modern furnishings and elegant pops of colour.
Across three floors of our building, we’ve got the space for both larger celebrations and intimate weddings.
When it comes to the food: Cellar, our ground-floor Hammersmith restaurant, will be at your disposal. We can promise that your guests will be extremely well-fed and cared for.
Wedding planning is supposed to be fun. And when you have your wedding with us, we’ll take the stress out of planning so that you can enjoy every moment.
See our wedding brochure to learn more about weddings at Kindred. You are also most welcome to come and visit us in person, to see the space for yourself at no obligation. Just get in touch with our team to arrange it.
