The barest minimum wedding

27 Jan

Without the frills of the outfits, rings, party, photographers and all the other wedding suppliers, it is just £57.00 and £12.50 for the marriage certificate to become legally married.

With two witnesses, you can do the legally binding bit in a registrar’s office and sign the marriage schedule. This is usually a short interview and takes less than 30 minutes.

You must allow 29 days’ notice and be aware that this must be booked in advance with the registrar; they do get swamped.

Once the marriage schedule has been signed and witnessed, you can arrange for the ceremony to occur anywhere. You have done the legal bit in an approved venue.

This is the part not many people are aware of. Local councils and religious venues charge much higher fees and do not tell you about the alternatives.

As an independent celebrant, this would be my suggestion, as well as saving the exchange of rings for the wedding ceremony. You can have more control over how you want the ceremony to be performed and with many other additions, such as ring-bearing owls.

In England and Wales, a wedding is legally recognised if it meets the following requirements:

Give notice
You and your partner must sign a legal statement at your local register office at least 29 days before the wedding.
Have a ceremony
The ceremony must be held at an approved venue and conducted by a registrar or approved civil celebrant. (The reference to the “ceremony” is the short interview where the registrar has a specific legal statement to make and expects your reply to be a commitment to the statement).
Have witnesses
The ceremony must be attended by at least two witnesses who are 16 or older.
Sign the schedule
At the end of the ceremony, you, your partner, the witnesses, and the person who conducted the ceremony must sign the marriage schedule. You can then obtain the wedding certificate.
Hold the ceremony within 12 months
You must hold the ceremony within 12 months of giving notice. (NB: That can also be the interview with the registrar, during which you sign the schedule).
Bring required documents
You must bring proof of your name, age, nationality, and address. If you've been divorced or widowed, you'll need to bring the relevant documentation.
For clarity
Unless you are marrying in the Church of England or Church of Wales by Banns or Common Licence, notice must be given by each of you, in person, to your local Superintendent Registrar. No one else can give notice on your behalf. You must have been a resident in the district for at least seven days before a notice can be given.
Once notice has been given, the details will be displayed on a public notice board for 28 days. If either or both of you are subject to immigration control, the period could be extended to 70 days under certain circumstances. Please consider this when making arrangements for your ceremony and notice appointment.
A Marriage or civil Partnership Schedule can then be issued, valid for one year from the notice's date. You must have decided where the marriage or civil partnership is to take place before you give notice, as this must be stated in the legal documentation.