Civil Ceremonies in England and Wales

In England and Wales you can now have either a religious or a civil marriage. If youwish a religious marriage you should consult your local vicar or priest, or the bishop of your local diocese. In the last few tears the law regarding civil marriages has changed. You can now marry on any day of the week between 8am and 6pm, as has always been the case, and at any registry office in England and wales, as long as you are resident in one of these countries, whereas previously there were fairly strict residency qualifications limitin you to using the registry office in the area where you lived.

Another major change in the legislation regarding civil marriages has been the setting up of a licensing system. Local authorities are now able to grant licences to "approved premises". Now you can have your civil marriage ceremony in any venue which has been granted a licence, as well as in any registry office.

Many hotels and country houses, as well as other venues such as conference centres, football grounds and racecourses, have now obtained licences and so It is now possible to have your civil ceremony and reception in the same place, although not in the same room.

Registrars in most areas are willing to perform civil marriages on Sundays and weekends, giving you more flexibility in choosing your wedding day, but be prepared for a higher charge for getting married on these days.

Although officila notice of a civil marriage can only be given three months in advance, many registry offices will accept provisional bookings up to a year ahead.