Currently statutory law states a Civil Marriage must take place at either a registrars office or a venue licensed to hold marriages, conducted by a Registrar, or a religious ceremony by a church official. A Registrar is used by the Government to legally marry and therefore protect your rights, such as: inheritance, pensions, child support, housing etc. So this part is very important.

The Registry Office Ceremony will take around 10 minutes. You both will be required to make two statements only. First a declaratory statement: “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (your partner’s name).”  This is followed by these contracting words. “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, (your name), do take thee (your partner’s name) to be my lawful wedded husband wife/husband.”

I suggest that is to complete the legalities in everyday clothes and do not exchange rings (maybe another token of love could be given at this point). Save the precious moments for the celebrations of your civil ceremony experience. Within the next few days or week have the ceremony that you have always dreamed of; read the vows of your wishes, exchange rings and allow you and your guests to enjoy this special time.

If you choose to have the Registrar attending your wedding (rather than you going to a registrars office), you will sign your legal papers at this time. If this option is of interest to you then there are some points you need to be made aware of:

• venues have to be local authority approved
• the venue has to be regularly open to members of the public; and
• please be aware that substantive additional fees are applied by the Registrar for attending ‘out of office’.

A Family Celebrant, such as myself, cannot legally marry you. My role is to give you the perfect, joyful wedding you will remember for the rest of your life.

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

At last, civil partnerships have been recognized by the government – YAY. As with marriage you will need to attend a Registry Office to undertake the legalities.

BABY (NAMING) REGISTRATION

The first action after the birth is to legally register your child(ren). This document mentions the time, date, and place of birth, sex and baby’s name, supported with the details of parents. All babies must be registered within 42 days (6 weeks) from the date of birth. If you do not do this after 6 weeks (following a legal requisition demanding your attendance) then you are liable for prosecution.

As with marriage, a new baby registration is legal recognition and therefore protection of the child. Once this has all been done, and if it is your wish, then book your bespoke Naming Ceremony.

Terms and Conditions with your Celebrant for Weddings and Naming Ceremonies

A small deposit is required upon agreement to proceed. This deposit secures the ceremony date and the contractual process of composing your bespoke ceremony, with me, begins.

The deposit will be deducted from the final amount due and, in turn, this final outstanding amount is payable no later than 4 weeks prior to ceremony.

The deposit will be forfeited if client cancels less than 3 months prior to ceremony. Cancellations must be made in writing.