Every wedding is different. How each Ceremony will pan out will largely depend on two things; the requirements and requests of the couple, and the flexibility of the Registrar.
At the meeting with the Registrar, couples will be able to discuss options and formalise arrangements for the day, and how the Service proceeds will be down to the subsequent discussions that take place between the two parties. In certain cases, multiple readings, songs and pieces of music will be allowed, although in other cases these are strictly limited.
A Civil Ceremony can last anywhere between ten and thirty minutes depending upon the content and number of readings, musical interludes and the vows (see the articles entitled Music, Songs, Readings and The Vows for more info on these). But in all cases, in order for the marriage to be legal, the Service must as a minimum include both the ‘Marriage Declarations’ and ‘Contracting Words’.
With this in mind, we have outlined below how a Civil Ceremony may potentially run, although as be have already mentioned, this is for a guide only and the final decision as to the content, and indeed the order for the proceedings, rests with the Registrar.
Pre-Preparation
Around twenty minutes before the Ceremony is due to start, the couple and their two witnesses will meet with the Registrar to confirm final arrangements and sign the necessary paperwork and make payments. During this time the Ushers will greet guests as they arrive and music may be played to the gathering guests.
Entrance of the Bride
The Bride will enter usually accompanied by music played by a harpist, string quartet or CD played over the speaker system.
Introduction by the Registrar
The purpose of the gathering and of what is about to happen will be explained by the Registrar – they may also take this opportunity to remind guests about rules surrounding photography, videography, confetti and to switch any mobile phones or pagers onto silent. The dreaded ‘If any person present knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage they should declare it now’ statement will also be read out aloud to your guests!
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