Civil Ceremonies at Licensed Venues. There are a few things you should know about booking a civil ceremony at a licensed venue.
Summary
Before booking a civil ceremony, check that the venue holds a licence from the local authority and ask to see it. You both need to give notice of marriage at your local register office at least 28 days before the wedding. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content, but you can choose your own readings, music and vows within the registrar’s guidelines, and it is worth viewing the room at the time of day your ceremony will take place.
Check the Venue Holds a Licence
Not all venues can hold a wedding ceremony. Any approved premises will hold a license granted by the local authority and it’s wise to ask to see the license before confirming the booking with a Wedding Venue Liverpool.
Give Notice in Advance
Both of you must give notice of marriage at the local register office where you live, regardless of where in the country the wedding ceremony is to take place. This must be given at least 28 days before the wedding and you will need to check the legal requirements for giving notice for a civil marriage ceremony.
Know What You Can Personalise
As you would expect, a civil ceremony does not include any religious content. However, you can choose your own readings, your own poems and your own music, and many couples also write their own vows. However, the vows that you write must comply with the guidelines of the registrar conducting your ceremony.
Inspect the Ceremony Room
It’s also worth seeing the room as it would look at the time of day of your ceremony. Would it look better with the lights on? Is there enough seating for your guests?
If you are looking for Wedding Venue Liverpool, see rowtonhallhotel.co.uk/wedding-venue-chester/liverpool.
It’s important to remember that getting the details of the civil ceremony right as early as possible will make the day even more special.
FAQs
How many witnesses do we need at a civil ceremony?
You need two witnesses who are present at the ceremony and sign the marriage schedule. They can be friends or family, and they need to be old enough to understand what they are witnessing.
How long does our notice of marriage last?
In England and Wales a notice of marriage is valid for 12 months. If the wedding does not take place within that time, you would need to give notice again, so it makes sense to plan the date before you book the appointment.
Can we have a hymn or a religious reading?
Hymns and readings with religious content are not normally allowed in a civil ceremony. If a piece of music or a poem has a passing religious reference, ask the registrar early, as they will decide what can be included.
Can a civil ceremony take place outdoors?
Civil ceremonies in England and Wales can now be held outdoors in the grounds of approved premises, as long as the venue’s approval covers the outdoor area. Ask the venue which spaces are licensed and what the plan is if the weather turns. Once the ceremony is sorted, our piece on clever wedding transport has ideas for getting there in style.