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Before you can plan much of your big day you really need to decide what type of ceremony you are going to have. In the UK the marriage must take place in legally approved premises in front of an authorised person. Two witnesses must be present at all times during the ceremony; however your ceremony can now take place at any time of the day. Weddings outside the UK are acceptable in as long as they do not contravene any UK laws; for example the restrictions. Many countries will allow you to marry in the open air for example on the beach which is not permitted in this country. Some travel companies will provide you with a complete package and all the help and advice you need to organise your ceremony abroad, so it is worth considering using one. Bear in mind that most countries require a minimum residency period of up to 7 days before you can marry. Contact your chosen country’s embassy in the UK for advice. They can explain what documents you will need and other stipulations. Sometimes there can be a huge amount of bureaucracy to overcome so you may want to consider having a civil ceremony in the UK and then a blessing abroad. If you are going to stay in the UK you and your fiancé will have to decide whether you would like to have a religious or civil ceremony. If you opt for a civil ceremony then you can choose between a registry office and an approved venue. Registry offices provide a good value alternative to a venue who often only provide expensive all inclusive packages. It is a good alternative to be partnered with a village hall or a reception at home. You have to give notice to the registrar at your town hall or council office. You will then be issued with a certificate of common notice. You can then book the date you want, you must book at least 17 days before your wedding but no more than a year in advance. You can have your civil ceremony at any venue that is improved for weddings. The rules state that the place must be regularly open to the public; it is not likely therefore that a private home would get approval. You are not allowed to marry in this country unless you are in a permanently built structure (with a roof). You still need to give notice of your intention to marry to your local registrar and book a registrar from the office closest to your venue to conduct your ceremony. Remember that no religious references of any kind are allowed in civil ceremonies including in any songs ore readings that you choose, these items must be submitted to the registrar for approval before the ceremony. Should you have your heart set on marrying in a way that is not permitted like at home, an open air venue or having an unusual religious ceremony such as a hand fasting then there is an option for you. Consider having a small registry office ceremony and then hire a celebrant to conduct your ‘marriage’ where ever and however you choose. Look at www.ukcelebrants.co.uk or other websites for more information. As this occasion would not be legally binding it can be held anywhere you like, inside or out. The words and actions can be totally your choice. For your guests this will be your actual ‘wedding’ as it will be when you will make your declarations in front of them. There are many different types of religious ceremonies that you can have in the UK. However bear in mind that you have to abide by both the legal restrictions and the religious rules. The most common religious ceremony in the country is the Church of England. You can marry at your parish church or a church that your parents or grandparents have a connection with. There are six other ‘connections’ that allow you to marry in a church outside your parish. See www.yourchurchwedding.org for more details. The first step is to find a church and then get in contact with the vicar. Most churches have the details including a phone number outside the church or you can use www.achurchnearyou.com too and there are vicars details on here too. Contact the vicar of your chosen church and make an appointment to see him/her. Some vicars will ask you to attend a no-obligation event (such as a class) to help you prepare for married life together. In the Church of England your ‘Banns’ will be read on three Sundays during the three months before you wedding. They will be read in your parish as well as the church where you will be married (if different). The ‘Banns’ are a legal requirement and are also a special occasion when your intention to marry is declared in public. You will probably want to attend and you Vicar may expect you to. If there is not sufficient time or if one of you is from outside the EU or if neither of you have a ‘connection’ (as mentioned before) with your chosen church then a common-licence, a special-licence or a superintendent registrars certificate maybe suggested, your vicar will advise you. A church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. The ceremony includes God and looks to him for help and guidance. The vicar can blend ancient tradition and modern experience to reflect your story. You can make amazing vows or promises in a church. Church buildings offer an amazing backdrop, with two thirds of the nation’s 16,000 churches being listed buildings. The rules for marrying in a Roman Catholic Church are slightly different. As well as you and the groom being free to marry one of you must have been baptised as a catholic. You cannot have been previously married and divorced as the church considers you still married unless the marriage is annulled. The rules about cohabiting couples are complicated and I would recommend you see www.catholicweddinghelp.com for clarification. The Catholic Church requires a period of preparation before marriage in order that couples fully understand what it means to give oneself in marriage. Usually the marriage cannot take place until this has happened. Each parish or diocese may have policies pertaining to marriage preparation so check with your local priest for details. Unlike a Church of England wedding you marriage must be recorded according to civil law. This is done by giving prior notice of the wedding by visiting your local superintendent registrar at your local town hall or registry office. You will obtain your licence which is necessary for a wedding in a Catholic Church. The registrar requires a minimum of 21 full days between the day you give notice and the day of the wedding. There must also be a registrar or appointed person present throughout the ceremony and for the signing of the registrars. Other Christian weddings can take place in this country, for example in a Baptist church or a Salvation Army citadel and the ‘legal procedure’ is the same as for a Catholic wedding. In some cases there may be an appointed person within the church, if not a registrar will need to be present throughout the service. A Jewish wedding will fulfil a religious and civil purpose but you will need to make two applications one to your local registrar and to the religious authority under which the ceremony will take place. The ceremony can take place in a Synagogue or licenced venue but of course not on a Saturday. I hope this article will help you and your fiancé decide which type of ceremony will best suit you and forge the best start to your married lives. Tags: Devon Wedding Photography, Devon Wedding Photographer, Photographer in Devon, Marion Frances Photos
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