Depending on what your beliefs are, the decision to have a civil marriage or to get married in a church is a straight forward one. Whichever you decide to go with will turn out to be a simply marvelous event; all you need is a bit of planning and creativity.
Church of England Wedding
A lot a couples feel that getting married in church is the best way to proclaim their love for each other. There is just something about that ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ type wedding with the elegant hats, and the church bells, and the beautiful bride in her white dress, and the groom in full morning dress that nothing can replace.
You do not have to be baptised or go to church to be able to have a church wedding. (You may need to have a talk with your vicar, if you have been previously married.)You have a lot more options as to which church to marry in, with the changes in the law that makes it so much easier for you. You can get married in the church of your choice if you fulfill the following conditions; attend church services for not less than six months, but this has to be before the actual wedding, previously belonged to that parish or if you are connected to the church through family, for instance, if your parents were married there.
Civil Weddings
Civil weddings are currently the most popular choice of UK couples as they give freedom of choice to personalise your ceremony and offer greater flexibility. The ceremony can be tailored to incorporate a variety of vows, music and personal readings (all non religious). Your ceremony can also be held at your reception venue which reduces stress on time and makes planning and organisation easier (and cheaper!)
Any register office or venue that is licensed can be the setting for your wedding ceremony; it makes no difference where you reside. A licensed venue may come with the option to have your ceremony anywhere - from castles and hotels to gardens and gazebos. A member of the clergy or a celebrant can perform a subsequent ceremony in the venues chapel, but it is not possible to hold the legal ceremony there. In Scotland however, it is possible to do so.
Get in touch with the local superintendent registrar to check their availability, once you have selected your wedding venue. A notice of 15 days will have to be given, along with certain documentation - proof of identity and residence if you are marrying for the 1st time, final divorce papers if you are divorced and a death certificate if you are a widow/widower.
It would be nice if you could get married in your back yard garden or in one of your favourite places, unfortunately right now you are only allowed to get married in a venue or structure that is approved. But the law is currently awaiting review that could change all that, so watch this space
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
