The Ceremony

You have a basic choice between religious and civil ceremonies, depending on circumstances and personal preference. Nowadays, weddings can take place in churches, synagogues and other religious buildings or registry offices and other licensed buildings; there is also the option of getting married abroad although you should use a reliable tour operator and ensure that the arrangements comply with local and UK law. The main marriage options are as follows: -

Churches

1. The Church of England/Church in Wales allows you to marry in church provided neither of you has been married before. The wedding banns are read out three Sundays before the wedding and in the parishes in which each of you lives. If you both live outside the parish in which you wish to get married, then a Special Licence (£125) will be necessary. Be aware that it may not be possible to get married during Lent (the six weeks before Easter) or Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), depending upon the resident vicar.
2. The Roman Catholic Church requires a visit to your priest 6 months before the wedding date, armed with your baptism and confirmation certificates. The priest can give permission for a Catholic to marry Christians of other denominations although a dispensation from a bishop is required if marrying in another Christian church or if marrying an unbaptised person. You should be prepared to attend several meetings with the priest in the run-up to the wedding.
3. Other denominations have their own regulations and you should enquire with your local minister/pastor.

Civil ceremonies

1. The Register office is the traditional venue for a civil wedding ceremony. You can marry in any area but you both have to give notice in person to the local superintendent registrar and make a provisional booking not less than 17 days and not more than 12 months before the proposed date. You must provide certain information before a certificate of common notice is issued. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and you will need at least two witnesses. The minimum cost is approximately £94.
2. Weddings can now be conducted in approved buildings which have been licensed for the purpose. There are also proposals in the pipeline to extend the possibilities to outdoor venues.