What happens at a civil ceremony

A civil marriage ceremony is simple. You will make two statements; we will ask you to choose one from the declaratory words and one from the contracting words which we will guide you through:

You’ll say one of the following:

• “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I………….may not be joined in matrimony to…………….”
• “I declare that I know of no legal reason why I……may not be joined in marriage to ……..”
• By replying “I am” to the question “Are you……free lawfully to marry……?”

You’ll then say one of the following:

• “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I……do take thee….to be my lawful wedded wife/husband”
• “I ….. take you…..to be my wedded wife/husband”
• “I ….. take thee…..to be my wedded wife/husband”

If your legal gender is male, your partner will refer to you as husband, and if your legal gender is female your partner will refer to you as wife. If you’d like to discuss this further, contact the ceremonies team on 023 92829041.

Signing the marriage schedule

You and your partner will sign the schedule along with your two witnesses. You can order the marriage certificate online from the next working day.

Exchanging rings is optional – you can choose to exchange one or two rings.

If you want to make your ceremony more personal, discuss this with the registrar. At a Milldam House ceremony, you can include either longer personal vows or one short reading. At an approved venue ceremony, you can add longer personal vows and some readings if you wish.

In all cases, no religious content is allowed. The readings and personal vows must be appropriate. They must be approved by the Superintendent Registrar two weeks before the ceremony.

Once you’ve booked your ceremony and given notice of marriage, you must provide marriage ceremony details using our online form.

You’ll need to tell us:

• how many guests will attend
• the names of your witnesses
• how you’d like to make your entrance
• what music you’d like to play
• whether you want to make personal vows

You must complete the form at least two weeks before the ceremony.