Your marriage ceremony

Couples and their witnesses/guests are asked to arrive at the Register Office at least five minutes before the time of the marriage ceremony (this will differ for marriages at approved premises).

Upon arrival the bride and groom will be interviewed by the registrar, in order to check the details required to be entered in the marriage register. The information required will include the full names and occupations of both natural or legally adopted fathers. If the bride wishes to enter the marriage room accompanied by her father or other relative/friend, it may be possible to interview the couple separately. In such a case, this should be requested before the wedding day and arrival/interview times will need to be adjusted accordingly. Otherwise the bride and groom enter the marriage room together to join their guests for the ceremony.

The Superintendent Registrar, having welcomed all present and explained what is about to take place, will ask the bride and groom, in turn, to make their marriage vows to each other. There is now a choice of civil vows, from which couples are asked to state their preference before the day of marriage. It may also be possible for the couple to add their own personal vows or commitments to each other, and include poetry and prose readings, but this must be discussed and agreed with the Superintendent Registrar before the day of the ceremony.

A ring may be given at an appropriate point in the ceremony if desired.

Two credible witnesses, who should ideally be over 16 years of age and be able to understand the nature of the ceremony, must be present throughout the ceremony. They will also be required to sign the marriage register.