What happens during the wedding ceremony?

Short answer

A wedding ceremony is a legal declaration followed by celebrations, and its shape depends on your choice of venue and faith. You exchange vows and rings, sign the marriage document, and are introduced as a married couple.

The ceremony begins with everyone gathering. Guests take their seats while your wedding party arrives. Music plays as you walk down the aisle, and your chosen readers may speak.

You then make your legal promises. In England and Wales, you give notice at your local register office at least 28 days beforehand, and two witnesses must be present. You sign the marriage document on the day. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content, but poems, songs and non-religious readings are welcome if the registrar agrees. Religious buildings follow their own rules, and you should ask your place of worship what to expect.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own notice rules, and humanist celebrants can lead legal weddings there. Once you have exchanged vows and rings, the registrar or celebrant declares you married. You then sign the document with your witnesses, and everyone celebrates your introduction as a new couple.