There are numerous reasons why a registry office wedding might be an extraordinary idea! You may not be a fan of big extravagant celebrations or simply do not want to spend a fortune on planning one. Or maybe you are having a destination wedding and need to take care of the legal things first. Whatever your reasons, a small and intimate registry office wedding is a more relaxed and budget-friendly option.
But first things first, getting married in a registry office does not mean you have to miss out on all the fun parts of wedding planning! Tying the knot in one of the town halls in the UK does not mean that you do not get to plan anything. Namely, you can still make your day unique, personal, and creative.
So, let’s get down to it! Here’s everything you need to know about registry office weddings. Hopefully, this guide will help you create the bridal celebration of your dreams!
Getting Married in a Registry Office: Who Can Do It?
Before you decide to get married in a registry office, it is essential to understand whether you are able to do so. Registry offices in the UK have specific laws and regulations, and if you do not meet them, you simply cannot get married in one.
So, if you want to tie the knot at a registry office, you need to be of legal age, not already married, and not closely related. As of February 2023, the minimum age to get married is 18, meaning no marriage is possible below that age, even with parental consent.
Where Can You Have Your Registry Office Union?
You may wonder whether you can get married in any registry office. In many countries worldwide, you need to get married in your local town hall if you want a more intimate and small wedding. However, in the UK, things are slightly different.
You can definitely have a registry office wedding all over the UK! If you are cool with the one in your area, that is awesome. Nonetheless, if you want to explore, plenty of options exist. You could choose one with a special significance, like the town where you first met or where your grandparents got married.
And remember, not all registry offices for weddings are the same. Each of them comes with specific features, and all offer something different. So, you could start your search by looking up the most stunning or historical registry offices in the UK. It is all about finding what works best for you!
Booking a Registry Office Wedding
Once you pick a registry office, you will have to book your wedding. You can pick the closest one to where you live, the one in the town you were born, or just a place that means a lot to you.
Then you need to choose a date. You will need to give notice at your local registry office to get the marriage registration, as required by UK law. It is the same process as if you were getting married at another registered venue, like a barn or a country house. Basically, the protocol is the same, but you have to follow some specific steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.
How to Give Marriage Notice?
No matter where you are having your registry office wedding, you will need to let your local registry office know about your marriage plans. This means you are telling everyone you plan to form a civil partnership.
If you and your partner live in separate districts, you will need to schedule separate appointments at your own local registry office. You both have to give notice at least 30 days before your wedding date. But it is smart to give yourselves more time just to be safe. Once that is all sorted out, you need to have your legal marriage ceremony within 12 months. In short, you have a year to plan your big day, no matter its size.
Which Documents Do You Need for Your Registry Wedding?
When you are ready to give notice of your marriage, be sure to bring along the details of your wedding plans, passport, proof of address, and any name change documents. If you have been married before, you will also need to bring proof of divorce or your late partner’s death certificate. If you or your partner are from outside the UK, there are some additional documents you will need to bring.
How Does a Registry Office Wedding Look Like?
The reason why couples opt for registry office weddings is not always for financial or intimacy purposes. These offices in the UK allow you to plan the bridal celebration of your dreams. It is not solely a formal ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows shortly. Namely, you can plan it the exact way you want, especially if you opt for a fabulous registry office that comes with a lot of features.
Registry office weddings are anything but boring. More specifically, you can actually personalise the ceremony to match your style and preferences. While these offices are usually enriched with flowers, you can bring your own decorations. Moreover, you can choose your music and readings, but religious content is not allowed. If you want something unique, it is best to consult with the office first. Some of them are quite open to creative ideas.
What to Wear at Your Registry Office Wedding?
While a registry office wedding might not be a traditional celebration in a specific venue, it is still your day. This means you can wear whatever makes you feel amazing! If you are not into the big white dress trend, go for something unique. You could rock a jumpsuit or a short dress or even add some colour, sparkles, or feathers. But if you are all about the classic wedding gown, that will work, too. It is your day, so wear whatever brings you joy!
The Bottom Line
As you can see, it does not take a lot to plan a registry office wedding. Also, you can make it exactly how you envision it since it allows lots of creativity and personalisation.
Are you in need of photography services for your UK wedding? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
