Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Civil Ceremony

You’re engaged! Congratulations - now it’s time to start planning your wedding and thinking about what kind of ceremony you’ll have. If you or your partner aren’t religious and you’re not after a symbolic celebration, a civil ceremony will most likely fit the bill.

At first take, you may have some preconceived ideas about civil ceremonies being run of the mill and a box checking exercise, but we can confirm that’s definitely not the case. Civil marriages in the UK are becoming increasingly popular - and for very good reason.

Civil ceremonies offer flexibility to create a celebration that’s truly fitting for you and your partner, while also ensuring your marriage is legally recognised and binding at the same time. With a civil wedding ceremony, you have the freedom to make elements of you day truly personal, form the wedding vows you exchange to the wedding ceremony music you play and readings you share.

However, as a civil ceremony ensures your marriage is legally binding, there are some statements you will need to include and repeat.

• What is a Civil Ceremony?
• Planning a Civil Ceremony and Giving Notice
• What Documents Do You Need to Give Notice?
• Booking a Venue for a Civil Ceremony
• How Much Does a Civil Ceremony Cost in the UK?
• When Should You Book a Registrar for a Civil Wedding?
• What's the Difference Between a Civil Partnership and a Civil Ceremony?
• How to Personalise a Civil Wedding? 
• How to Decorate a Civil Wedding Ceremony Venue?
• What to Wear to a Civil Wedding Ceremony?
• Celebration Ideas for After Your Civil Ceremony

Whether you envision an intimate gathering in a small wedding venue or a full-blown fairytale affair, we’ve got everything you need to know about planning a civil ceremony.

What is a Civil Ceremony? 

Civil ceremonies are weddings performed by a government official called a registrar. It is a legal wedding, resulting in a legally binding document, which does not include the religious elements of a church wedding.

For many couples in the UK, a civil wedding or civil ceremony serves as their main wedding celebration, offering the freedom and flexibility to personalise the proceedings with meaningful readings, music selections and decorations.

Others may opt for a combination of a civil ceremony, primarily for legal purposes, and a separate religious ceremony or non-religious blessing to honour spiritual or cultural traditions. Additionally, if you’re planning a destination wedding, arranging a civil ceremony at home beforehand may be necessary to ensure legal recognition of the marriage.

Planning a Civil Ceremony and Giving Notice

In the UK, you're required to give notice of your intention to marry at least 28 days before the ceremony is due to take place.

This legal step ensures everything is above board and your marriage is properly recognised. While giving notice might sound straightforward, the process itself can sometimes involve additional steps - don't worry, we’ll go through all of this further down!

Here's the golden rule: when choosing your wedding date, factor in at least six weeks from the day you'd like to get married. This buffer period accounts for the 28-day notice period and any additional time it might take to complete the formal notification process.

To give notice, you’ll need to head to your local registry office, this serves as the place where you’ll declare your intention to marry. Note that if you and your partner live in different places, you will both need to give notice separately in the registry offices where you live.

As mentioned, you need to give notice at least 28 days before your wedding date. You’ll also need to make sure you’ve lived at your current address for at least 7 days before that. To give notice you’ll need to contact your local registry office to schedule an appointment and pay the fee (this is about £42 in the UK).

When you give notice you’ll need to share information about your wedding venue. Remember, that if you change your venue you will need to give notice and start the notice period again.
For more information on giving notice, browse our full guide to proceedings.

What Documents Do You Need to Give Notice?

In order to make sure you give correct notice and can move forward with planning a civil ceremony you will need to take the following documentation with you to the registry office:

Proof of your name, age and nationality. This could be a valid passport, birth certificate, national identity card from the EEA or Switzerland (if non-British), certificate of registration, certificate of neutralisation, biometric residence card or permit or a travel document.

If you’ve changed your name, you must also bring proof of that, for example a deed poll. Proof of address, for example a valid UK or EEA driving licence, gas or electricity bill from the last 3 months, a bank statement from the last month, or a council tax bill or mortgage settlement from the last 12 months.

If you’ve been divorced or widowed, you will need to bring the decree absolute or final order, or the death certificate of your former spouse.

Different rules apply to anyone from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland, so check here for more information. If your partner isn’t from the UK, Switzerland or the EEA and isn’t settled in the UK, they will need to apply for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor visa.

It's best to confirm with your local registry office what exactly they will require from you before you go - for example, some may specifically require a photographic form of ID.

Booking a Venue for a Civil Ceremony

In England and Wales, civil ceremonies can only take place at venues that have been approved to host civil marriages. The great thing is, there are plenty of unique wedding venues to choose from. From charming country houses and rustic barns to elegant hotels and cosy restaurants, there is something to suit every couple's style.

If you and your partner have your hearts set on a reception venue that isn't licensed for ceremonies - don't worry! You can still celebrate your special day at your dream location, just register your marriage (aka, do the legal ceremony bit) beforehand (or after) at your local registry office.

It's a quick and simple process that gets the legal stuff out of the way. Then, head straight to your dream reception venue and kick off the real party. Your guests won't even know the difference – they'll just be thrilled to celebrate with you in such a beautiful setting.

For those planning a civil ceremony in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, lucky you! You can get married pretty much anywhere, just make sure you have the agreement of the officiant.

How Much Does a Civil Ceremony Venue Cost in the UK?

As it stands, it costs between £42 and £57 to give notice of your wedding at a registry office. You will then need to pay for a registrar.

A registrar must carry out, or at least be present at your ceremony in order for the civil ceremony to be legal. You can book a registrar yourself or the venue may do this for you but there are set fees included.

The fee for a registrar varies based on whether you're tying the knot at a registry office or opting for a different venue such as a hotel, country house, or outdoor setting, so make sure you factor this into your wedding budget:

• £56 at a register office
• £104 at a registered religious building

You will also need to factor in venue hire costs which will vary greatly depending on where you choose to tie the knot.

When Should You Book a Registrar for a Civil Wedding?

You need to book your wedding venue first, then the registrar second. Finding the ideal venue where you'll say "I do" is your first priority. Once you have this locked in, then you can start booking your register.

Many venues are happy to help with this process, but you will need to contact the registry office closest to your chosen wedding location.

In a UK civil ceremony, the registrar acts as the official celebrant. They conduct the ceremony, ensure legal compliance by witnessing vows and ring exchange, and register the marriage, making it official.

What’s the Difference Between a Civil Ceremony and a Civil Partnership?

Civil ceremonies and civil partnerships sound similar, and may sometimes be used interchangeably to refer to a civil marriage, however they are two very different things.

In the UK, civil weddings and civil partnerships are both ways to legally recognise a relationship. However, a civil ceremony refers to a legal marriage, whereas a civil partnership is not a marriage but a formalised and legally binding partnership.

In fact, civil partnerships are often considered as an alternative to a marriage. If you are in a civil partnership, you cannot say you are married in legal context, however, in day to day life it makes little difference and you’re still afforded many of the same rights as married couples.

In terms of ceremony, there are a few key differences between a civil wedding and a civil partnership ceremony. You will also sign slightly different legal certificates - either a marriage certificate or a civil partnership certificate.

How to Personalise a Civil Wedding

Now we’ve covered off the important bits, your civil ceremony is more than just the legalities. It’s a chance to celebrate you and your partner's love story in a way that reflects your own unique personalities. While standard vows are usually provided, the beauty of civil ceremonies lies in the ability to personalise them.

Beyond the traditional vows that are required, you can often add your own heartfelt messages. This could be a funny anecdote about how you met, a special inside joke, or a heartfelt promise you want to make to each other.

Music is also a powerful tool for creating the atmosphere you want. Choose songs that hold special meaning for you as a couple, perhaps a song from your first dance or a piece that reflects the emotions of the ceremony. Just remember to check with the registrar beforehand to ensure your chosen music doesn't have religious connotations as this isn't permitted.

Finally, adding readings performed by friends or family members is a lovely way to personalise the ceremony. These readings could be poems, song lyrics, or even excerpts from your favourite books. Choose something that resonates with your relationship and adds a touch of sentimentality to the occasion.

How to Decorate a Civil Wedding Ceremony Venue

Transforming your civil ceremony space into your dream backdrop is such an exciting part of the planning process. But the level of personalisation you can achieve depends on your chosen venue.

If you and your partner have opted for a registry office, we recommend checking with them in advance about their policies on wedding flowers and other decorations, as some may have limitations due to time constraints or existing décor.

If you're holding your ceremony at a different venue, like a barn wedding venue, hotel, or even outdoors, you usually have more freedom to personalise the space.

Think of it as a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch! Depending on the venue, you can still create a wedding aisle and a grand bridal entrance if you desire.

Another great way to decorate your civil wedding venue is to add stunning flower arrangements or captivating floral arch. You may also want to incorporate indoor trees or greenery for a fresh feel, and welcome guests with a personalised sign for a final touch.

Why not make your decor budget go further by repurposing your ceremony flower arrangements and decorations for the reception.

What to Wear to a Civil Ceremony

Unlike traditional weddings with formal dress codes, civil ceremonies can allow for more relaxed and personalised choices. The key here is to choose an outfit that is going to complement the overall mood you're setting for the day.

If you are planning an elegant affair, you should embrace that vision and opt for a stunning gown or a tailored suit paired with elegant accessories to create a sophisticated atmosphere. If a relaxed and intimate ceremony is more your style, you can absolutely rock a stylish yet comfortable outfit. Think flowy jumpsuits, cocktail dresses, or tailored separates.

There are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to civil ceremony attire. The most important thing is to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Need a little style inspo for your big day? We've put together a collection of gorgeous registry office wedding dresses to help you find the perfect look for saying ‘I do!’

Celebration Ideas for After Your Civil Ceremony

Once you’ve legally tied the knot, you’ll want to head out into the world as an official married couple and celebrate with your nearest and dearest. You may opt for a full wedding reception, complete with wedding breakfast, evening celebrations and disco. Or if you’re planning a bigger wedding celebration abroad or at a later date, you might want to keep things simple with a meal out or a cocktail party.

Here Are Some Thought Starters for Post-Civil Ceremony Celebrations:

• An evening dinner in a private dining room
• Hire out a pub venue for post-wedding celebrations
• Get the party started with Karaoke for your wedding guests
• A silent disco for the ultimate post-wedding laughs
• Evening reception and dancing at a cool new venue

For more unique wedding reception ideas for after a civil ceremony, check out our venue directory for unusual wedding venues in London and beyond.